First time Head shot

[MatthewSimes]

So I was recently asked to do head shots for an aspiring actress I know. I feel the final product is decent, but after lurking here for months I decided to be the one that gets put in my place by the pros.

So what do you think, is this good enough for a headshot? And what could I do to improve on it? Thanks in advance.

 

[Rosy]

I like it. Question, and this is only for my selfish gain. Did you use a softbox, camera left? Trying to learn to read the catchlights in order to determine the lighting and positioning of such

 

[MatthewSimes]

Yes, strobe with 24x30 softbox on left, large white reflector on right, strobe with umbrella above for hair light and another strobe with softbox on background.

 

[Rosy]

very nice image

 

[tirediron]

It is indeed a nicely done image. I think just a little more light (~1/3) stop fill camera right would have helped. The shadow on her hair is just a little (and I do mean 'little') deeper than I think is ideal. Also, try and raise your key up just a bit so you get the catchlights more into the 10/2 position.

 

[Rosy]

It is indeed a nicely done image. I think just a little more light (~1/3) stop fill camera right would have helped. The shadow on her hair is just a little (and I do mean 'little') deeper than I think is ideal. Also, try and raise your key up just a bit so you get the catchlights more into the 10/2 position.

OK John, I'm officially stalking all your lighting related posts

 

[MatthewSimes]

It is indeed a nicely done image. I think just a little more light (~1/3) stop fill camera right would have helped. The shadow on her hair is just a little (and I do mean 'little') deeper than I think is ideal. Also, try and raise your key up just a bit so you get the catchlights more into the 10/2 position.

I wondered if the shadow was a tad too deep, although the reflector was very close to her, I'm not sure how to increase it really without just using a seperate strobe instead of a reflector (frankly I don't use reflectors enough, this was one of my first uses of one in a long time.

And good note on the catchlight positions.

Overall, for a relative beginner though, I guess I did good for a free headshot. Thanks.

 

[tirediron]

It is indeed a nicely done image. I think just a little more light (~1/3) stop fill camera right would have helped. The shadow on her hair is just a little (and I do mean 'little') deeper than I think is ideal. Also, try and raise your key up just a bit so you get the catchlights more into the 10/2 position.

OK John, I'm officially stalking all your lighting related posts

Ruh-roh....