Headshot feedback

[cestlefun17]

Here's a headshot I took of a friend. Another friend wants me to take one for him next week, so any tips would be appreciated.

KevinPortrait by bill.santagata, on Flickr

 

[TTLui]

Having him a little bit to the left of the frame might be nicer than centered. Also shooting vertically vs landscape would probably be more flattering and give the photo more breathing room as well. Right now it looks like his head is compressed into the center of the frame.

 

[tirediron]

Agree ^^ In addition the busy background is a bit of a distraction, and the lighting is, well.. unusual. Lighting from below (often called 'horror' lighting) isn't generally the most flattering, and has resulted in an under-exposed forehead and blocked shadows in his hair. It's a good start, but I think it could be refined further.

 

[cestlefun17]

The lighting is only natural light from the window with a small reflector underneath him (hence the horror movie effect which I did not at all notice but now can't stop seeing ). I'll have to remember to put the reflector to the side.

Any advice on a good (readily available) background? I can use a white wall but that seems bland.

 

[Designer]

Use the reflector as adjunct to the window light. Position it higher.

Frame in portrait orientation. If the model is turning his head, allow just a bit more space on that side.

Get your camera down to the same height as his face. You can frame a little looser in taking the shot, then crop later.

If you cannot find a plainer background, make sure the background is far behind your subject.