Headshot for a Colleague.

[Brinr]

Did a headshot for a colleague. Yes, I see the line cutting the dude's head off, my bad on that one. Any other thoughts?


1_31_2013 BrinRPHoto Portait001 water by BrinR Photo, on Flickr

 

[cgipson1]

uhh... it's not a headshot?

that shadow under his chin is bad... the eyes look soft even on your Flickr.... the lighting is weird, large bright highlights subject left, and a small bright highlight on subject right... oh, and TILT!

 

[KrisztinaK]

uhh... it's not a headshot?

This is the first thought that popped into my head as well.
I'm really not crazy for the tilt either. But I feel that way about most tilts, just not a huge fan of 'em.

 

[o hey tyler]

Not feeling the tilt, or the fact that you shot it wide open.

Personally, I'd reshoot this. Get slightly lower and closer to more of a chest and up shot. Also, shoot on f/2.2 or better yet, 2.8 for adequate sharpness.

 

[jamesbjenkins]

Hate to say it, but this is pretty much an automatic reshoot.

Some things to keep in mind on location:

- shooting wide open on almost any lens will produce a noticeably softer image than stopping down to the "sweet spot" which will vary by lens. f/5.6 is usually a pretty safe starting point for optimal sharpness.
- NEVER try the artsy tilt thing on a professional headshot. Unless the subject is in a rock band...and even then, think 3 times about it first.
- even a flimsy piece of foamcore used as a reflector off the subject's right shoulder out of frame would have made that shadow on his chin go bye bye. Hard shadows don't belong in these types of shots.
- as you already noted, the composition of placing the change in background right through the middle of his head wasn't a good idea. But you noticed that one yourself...after the fact. I'm confident you won't make that mistake again.

On the positive side, the exposure and color seem to be spot on. So you're definitely doing some things very well.

Hope that helps!

 

[gsgary]

Did he fall over ?

 

[rexbobcat]

I honestly don't think it's that bad. I don't think it's at the (rather bland) quality of a shot to be used for professional publications etc...but as a general photo it's not terrible.

I actually like the two light sources coming from both sides.

I do have to agree that the shadows under the chin is probably the biggest flaw that I see with the photo.

I'm on the fence about the tilt. On one hand "OMG TILT IN A PROFESSIONAL PHOTO! Does...not...compute...", but on the other hand, it does make the photo a bit more dynamic and less stiff/rigid.

 

[o hey tyler]

but on the other hand, it does make the photo a bit more dynamic and less stiff/rigid.

So does a natural and relaxed pose though... And to much better effect in my experience. But, yes I see what you're saying.

 

[rexbobcat]

but on the other hand, it does make the photo a bit more dynamic and less stiff/rigid.

So does a natural and relaxed pose though... And to much better effect in my experience. But, yes I see what you're saying.

It's mostly because of the background. Where he is with the brick and the straight, architectural lines, I think that completely straightened photo could possibly come off as robotic or too "hard" even with a relaxed subject.

Having a relaxed subject in such a geometric, calculated environment just makes me feel like something is visually out of place. I think that if the setting were different then yes, I would agree - the tilt would be uncalled for.

 

[DiskoJoe]

Im not feeling this. Normally your work is pretty good but this is just blah.

 

[Brinr]

Ok, Ok I agree with most all of these comments, how about this one. It isn't a head shot agreed, but it's straight and the shadow has been reduced. I am honestly a fan of the dof though, even if I did shoot it at like f2 or somethin...


1_31_2013 BrinRPHoto Portait003 small by BrinR Photo, on Flickr

 

[cgipson1]

You still have Bright / Dark / Bright going on... on his face... and a strong shadow under his chin (his right side).. just not attractive lighting

 

[jamesbjenkins]

Better, but you still have the background cutting his head off. There's something...off...about the lighting balance still. He's pretty flat...

 

[cgipson1]

Light is harsh on both sides of his face... looks like bare flash....really needs to be softened. Are you using any modifiers? Are the lights placed directly on either side of subject (or slightly behind), and if so why... are you going for a certain look you have seen elsewhere or something?

 

[Brinr]

I actually forgot my modifiers so ya it is bare flash, um I guess I was kind of going for a "rim" light-ish look. The rim is coming from slightly behind and the other is coming more from the front.