Hi Doug,
Great that you venture out with everything new. The setup though is one you have been successful with before. I really like the idea of putting the person behind the fabric which provides some sort of quixotic privacy, as if she was protected by some wrought iron screen or else that of a confessional.
You have lit her from one side, at least for the most port. Also another lesser light from the opposite side which is also illuminating the backcloth. I find that this is bringing out the crumpled creasing of the cloth and is really badly distracting and shouldn't be there. Having the fine leaves and flowers silhouetted in front of her is enough detail to contrast with her smoother shape. Choose one or the other, IMHO!
I would like to see the shadows opened up on her form so we see her better. Here right side is too bright, even if that's the effect you are after, and the opposite side is either not dark enough or too dark. Two strip lights at 45 degrees in front of her with the leading 30% of each with an extra 0.5 to 1 stop of fabric get her lit better and also a hair light.
For this, why not simply add the fabric as a layer in photoshop as no shadows of the pattern are part of the composition? Then you can have a large light source in front of her and control the shadow and light on each side exactly as you wish.
Back to the picture, I love this set up and look forward to more in this series with your new model, lights and camera. Could you leave the EXIF info on the files so we can see what the camera and shot details are? Also what light's did you use since, here, lighting defines the look.
So this is my strong reaction immediately felt and written. I'm interested to learn what you feel about my comments. I present them with some trepidation, since what I see as untidy or inadequate may be something you intentionally built into the picture. I rather think not! In any case, I do hope they are both relevant and helpful!
Asher
