Lighting

[EckoZero]

I've been reading through some of the threads RE portrait photography on here and got some ideas for poses etc.

Before I point the camera in the direction of people however... I need to nail the lighting.

With that in mind I sat down with my flashgun and reflector and tried to get some lighting set-ups.
This one was the most successful but still needs work. Can anyone give me some pointers please?

I think the basic idea I have is right but it's not quite working for me...

Shot data:

Shutter speed - 1/125
Aperture - f22 (Is this part of my problem? I needed it as I have no point of pre-focus for shots of myself so have to set the aperture small to ensure I'm in focus)
ISO 100

Lit by an off-camera flashgun (Jessops 360AFD) fired at 1/2 power through a diffuser
Triggered by... camera pop-up flash set to 1/16

Reflector to my left reflecting light back to my face




And finally - the lighting in action:

I'm aware of several things in regards to this picture... head in centre of the frame, boring background, cropped in too tight etc so you can mention it if you like but mostly I'm looking for how to improve on the lighting

 

[tirediron]

Move yourself farther from the background (if possible), set the flash at about 30 degrees camera left, and increase to full power, place the reflector at 90 to SUBJECT left and use your aperture to control the exposure, moving the reflector closer or further away to obtain the desired illumination of the far side of the face.

 

[EckoZero]

Thanks for the tips Tirediron - here's the updated version:

Shutter - 1/200
Aperture - f11
ISO 100


Space limitations meant my reflector had to sit at 45 degrees subject left rather than 90 but I think the overall effect is much better than the previous one

 

[tirediron]

A bit hot on your forehead now; drop your shutter speed to take advantage of any ambient light and either increase the aperture by 1/2 - 2/3 stop or maybe put a diffuser on the flash (piece of tissue/translucent plastic).