CC please?

ManualMode · Dec 17, 2012

Went into this shoot feeling rusty and felt a bit flustered.. it was good because the pressure kept me on my toes.
In hindsight I must have thought of a dozen different ways I would have liked to do this (Including shooting with the D7000 instead of my older D80).
This is a CEO, she will be using them on her LinkedIn and corporate website/intranet.

How'd I do?

Rick58 · Dec 17, 2012

I like the one on the left. The one on the right seems flat to me

tirediron · Dec 17, 2012

Back off on the skin processing! ESPECIALLY in #1 (reddish background). I'm not sure what you've done, but you've done so much of it that her face looks very OOF. With a LOT less skin processing, #1 would have been a great shot had you brought a little fill into her left eye area. You might be able to bring that out in post. #2 seems rather too 'square' to the camera ('football shoulders').

slow231 · Dec 17, 2012

yes back off the skin smoothing, #1 looks like she melted a little. I agree with tirediron that #2 is square. this is definitely not flattering as a beauty shot, but to me this pose feels more fitting for a ceo. it gives a better feeling of readiness and assertiveness. I'm picturing how I would want someone to approach for a business meeting, upfront, prepared, and confident. That said you could probably get away with the more flattering angle if her outfit was a bit more formal (what parts of it you can see).

DiskoJoe · Dec 17, 2012

First picture is the best. The slight tilt to the side accentuates the positive and help mask a bit of the negative. The nose looks nicer as done the chin. Its the subtle details like this that really make a portrait classic. Good job.

fjrabon · Dec 17, 2012

not only is the skin too smooth, but eyes look soft as well.

1st is okay, though I would have had a tiny bit more fill light on the shadow side. 2nd shot looks like a high school yearbook photo.

ManualMode · Dec 17, 2012

I agree the first is overdone.. just redid it... for the size the image will be showing at, I'm not too worried about the details.. thanks for the feedback.. much appreciated!

Derrel · Dec 17, 2012

#1 has better color harmony between her clothing and the backdrop's color. I would dial the skin smoothing down quite a bit. The second shot makes her face look very skinny, and not in a good way. The first shot is very flattering. I do think however that the shadow zone on her hair is too dense, and mike tend to appear too dark. I think just a little bit more top space above her head would improve the first shot. I think cutting off the dangling part of the necklace is a serious omission in shot #1...I know it might be a hassle, but unless you have the whole necklace in there, I would clone it out...all of it.

ManualMode · Dec 18, 2012

Derrel said:
#1 has better color harmony between her clothing and the backdrop's color. I would dial the skin smoothing down quite a bit. The second shot makes her face look very skinny, and not in a good way. The first shot is very flattering. I do think however that the shadow zone on her hair is too dense, and mike tend to appear too dark. I think just a little bit more top space above her head would improve the first shot. I think cutting off the dangling part of the necklace is a serious omission in shot #1...I know it might be a hassle, but unless you have the whole necklace in there, I would clone it out...all of it.

Good call on the necklace, i've been struggling with it.. I'm trying to crop according to what makes sense for the entire subject, but it seems that everytime I do.. that darned necklace is hanging out of frame.
Thanks for the feedback!