Lee

[Rick50]

My roommate wanted her photo taken today. Hey, she asked. I thought I would post these even though I know we will re-shoot to fix some flaws (at her approval). This is not as easy as first thought.

The one she liked was front on light to remove wrinkles. I plan on re-shooting to remove glare.
3 light set up with main pretty much head on.

The one I liked had the main more to the side but I didn't have the hair light on. OK, I'll get it.

And in BW (for mmaria-me too).

Any CC?

 

[Rick50]

Oops, forgot the set up.

 

[baturn]

Can't comment on the photos or the set up because I know nothing about portraiture, but that is the coolest counter-weight I've ever seen.

 

[FITBMX]

Can't comment on the photos or the set up because I know nothing about portraiture, but that is the coolest counter-weight I've ever seen.

You are right! Counter weight tool kit all in one! You should star marketing to sell them!!!

 

[tirediron]

Not bad at all! The specular highlights in #1, especially around her forehead are just a tad hot, and I would like to have seen her head position changed just a bit; have her lower her chin and look a little more toward the camera. If you remember nothing else about posing ALWAYS remember the mantra, "Chin out, chin down". Having the model push her chin forward just a bit and then lower it slightly hides the heavy chin that we all develop in front of the camera. I think the ideal position would be about halfway between #1 and #2. Assuming that your set-up image shows the lights and chair in their shooting positions, I'd bring the BD in closer, and then drop the power. That will give you softer lighting. Second the approval of that counter-weight!

 

[Rick50]

Yes, I tried to get her to push out the chin and drop it but you know woman..... I also have a larger soft box for the main light and the thought of lowering the power struck me too (in the middle of the night). The main thing that struck her was how old she looked. My thought was "you are 60 you know".Thanks much for the critique.
And by the way, the counter weight is going on sale! Hey, I had to use something.

 

[Granddad]

... The main thing that struck her was how old she looked. My thought was "you are 60 you know".Thanks much for the critique.

There's nothing wrong with being 60+! ... It's better than the alternative.

You could use something like Portrait Professional and make her look a bit younger but that has it's risks, too. This took 5 minutes including upload, using their basic "woman 50+, Glamorous" setting plus 30 seconds work on the neck. If that's too much you can use the sliders to ease back on the changes.
Some like it and want you to fix their mirrors at home, others hate it and say you made them look like a plastic Barbie. The only certainty is that you CANNOT win!

 

[snerd]

Love me some Portrait Professional Pro!! I do tend to dial the defaults way back, but it's a great tool in the arsenal.


Sent from my iPhone 6+ using Tapatalk Pro

 

[Rick50]

"The only certainty is that you CANNOT win!" I don't try anymore.

Amazing what you did. I'll see if she likes it.

 

[Granddad]

Glad you like it, if she does I'd be happy to work a better version for you if you send me a full size image.
Or try for yourself, Portrait Pro isn't an expensive piece of kit, it's not too hard to learn to use and can be fun. Here it costs £25 for the latest version, it's probably cheaper in the States, these things usually are.

(I usually dial the intensity back, too. I like the results to be credible and recognisable!)