Couple of Headshots for Critique

[Ozzie]

Hi All,

I get asked from time to time to do comp cards and stuff and I usually try to send those people away, telling them I don't specialize in that, but I can't always do that because some of my very good family portrait customers want me to take their modeling type photos! So, I'm very green about this to say the least and I know I really should buy Rolando's book, its just there are always so many places to put your money.

Now I've seen many magazines, comp cards, etc to know that lighting varies widely but before I did this shoot I looked at some shots here and other photographers websites to come to the conclusion that a light, directly behind the camera would work best, no shadows except on the chin and then I'd use a reflector in the models lap if the chin was too dark, which I did.

With all that said, I do want input on the posing, lighting and anything else because frankly, I'm green to this style of photography.

One last comment,umm okay two. The one profile image was shot, just a little off profile by intent, I really liked seeing her eyelash stick out the far side. I turned around the background light on the shot with the hand to highlight her hair a little.


Image#1



Image#2
Ozzie

[R_Fredrick_Smith]

#1 is very nice. #2 does not work in my view. I think the eye lash showing is a distraction that breaks the symmetry. Also part of the ear ring shows and that is a distraction also (it looks more like a defect than an ear ring).

Re: Couple of Headshots for Critique 

Cheers,
rfs

[Ozzie]

Thanks Fred. You know I meant to clone out that earring on the far side, nice catch! Thats exactly why it is important to get feedback on these kinda things.

Anyone else?

[jimmyd]

Originally Posted by Ozzie

...I meant to clone out that earring on the far side...

Isn't "clone out" a contradiction of terms?

#1 works great as a head shot for casting purposes. I think your lighting approach to it was the right way to go.

[Ozzie]

Thanks Jimmy, so I guess I will tell her #1 is probably the one to go with.
These are just a few she like, but I tried to pick out the better ones to share here............but what do I know. :-)

I get in so much trouble with the words I use, I say one thing and mean another, most of the time........I'll probably paint out the earring on the far side and clone, by the skin if I have to.

Thanks for taking the time.

Ozzie

[Al_Nowak]

Image 1 bothers me a bit. Her hair color seems to change significantly from the top and left side to the right side of her face.

I'd be tempted to try dodging and burning it with the PS dodge/burn tools to even the tone out a bit. Just my opinion...

[Ozzie]

Thanks Al for looking. I like the image as is, but am at a loss as to why the difference in the hair. I'm afraid if I play with it too much I'll screw it up. I was using a 2' softbox right above my camera and I'm sure it was high enough to hit her part, but agree with you there seems to be problem there. I did notice that her hair did vary quite a bit like she had highlights in it and thus the part was darker, but I don't think there was that much difference. Good eye.

[jimmyd]

Originally Posted by Ozzie

I like the image as is, but am at a loss as to why the difference in the hair.

My guess is it's an "angle of reflectance" thing. Personally, I wouldn't dodge or burn it altho i might be tempted to use the shadow/highlight tool to bring out a bit more detail on the dark side.