Quick Headshot C&C

[tevo]

Today after a basketball charity event, this referee asked me if I would take a headshot of him to use for his ref organization, and I agreed. It was a one light setup, and I went for broad side lighting because he was a pretty skinny guy. For a 2 minute setup / shoot, how did I do? C&C for the future would be greatly appreciated.

Strobist info:

1/100
ISO400
f/4
Roughly 3 feet from gray wall
1/4 strobe with white umbrella, reflected, camera left


#1

David Pham by theofficialtevo, on Flickr

 

[hyeunny]

great expression! Some of the hot spots on the face from the flash can be removed in post for a cleaner look :thumbup:

 

[ChrisNL]

Nice comfortable, natural expression. Great photo!

 

[caseyrbrown]

As the others said, I like the expression and posing. I wish the light were a little softer. For my umbrella at least, shooting through it has yielded better results. In this shot, it just looks a little too harsh to me.

 

[tevo]

I think part of the reason the light looks so harsh is because he was sweaty after refereeing a few games.

As the others said, I like the expression and posing. I wish the light were a little softer. For my umbrella at least, shooting through it has yielded better results. In this shot, it just looks a little too harsh to me.

I generally don't shoot through umbrellas, but it is something I will start trying out. What about the result is different using them this way?

 

[BrianpStudios]

The light will be softer, you will lose some stops but softer lighting. Just compensate accordingly. A bounce on the opposite side helps gives a more natural looks instead of a high key lighted image. The sweat is the main thing for the shine. But gives character to the image I think.

 

[tevo]

The light will be softer, you will lose some stops but softer lighting. Just compensate accordingly. A bounce on the opposite side helps gives a more natural looks instead of a high key lighted image. The sweat is the main thing for the shine. But gives character to the image I think.

I will try that in the future. I don't mind the highlights terribly, they shape his face a bit more. It also instills a 'sweat on the brow' type feeling into me which makes me think he is a hard worker. I agree that it adds character, but I wouldn't opt for that lighting in most other cases.