Indoor lighting

I have a black background that I bought which I made a PVC frame for. I put it up and drapped the black fabric over it. Took a few pictures of Chris (my hubby) in front of it...but....the lighting is sucking. He is NOT a photogenic person to start with but omg my photos are horrid! I have never take such crappy pictures!!!!! I am working right now so I can't post any pictures to show you guys what I mean but will tomorrow after my works "big meeting" (we are being displaced probably).

How is the lighting usually set up for studios? A light on either side (how strong of a light?) with you taking pictures with a flash from the front.....

I am very disappointed in my photography skills today They are horrid! Just wait! HAHA

I am very disappointed in my photography skills today They are horrid!

If they are really that bad, they have no place to go but up

Here, try this: http://www.montezucker.com/content.html?page=7
A legend describes lighting. It will give you an idea until you reach point in your NYIP course.

About 10 years ago I invested in a black muslin fabric background.

Used two 500WS strobes for main lights

Used two 500ws studio strobes with color gels to light the background on full power.

You end up with solid chroma key backgrounds in any color you choose.

They look great by themselves (just make sure your put your subject a bit of distance in front of your back lights and several feet from the background to prevent any color spill from tinting your subjects skin or fur if shooting pets) but with Photoshop or GIMP you also have the option of easily removing the background and replacing it with any digital backdrop.

This way if you only get a few decent shots of a person or pet - you can still dazzle your clients by showing them the same image on dozens of digital backgrounds. People love a bit of variety and by using the above tips you can offer them hundreds of different looks with just one black fabric background thus saving yourself hundreds or even thousands over purchasing regular painted canvas backgrounds!

Do you have a light meter?

Anyway practice and you'll learn from your mistakes and you'll be surprised how fast your work will improve!