Scott Murray
Senior Member
Tried to do a professional headshot, please post any CC here. I am a tough person and can handle the worst of it.
I would have added a hair light or maybe a splotch of light onto the background - too flat. 2nd, I would have turned her body a bit. I don't like the square to the camera look and it feels off center (with being squared) and the one shoulder is higher than the other while the opposing shoulder is dropping off withing the photograph. If there was some turning of the body then their needed to be more.
Reflector on the shadowed side, or maybe a kicker, to bring up the shadows a bit since this is a Headshot and less about mood.
Don't know what control you had, but her clothing choice is not good with her dark hair - blends.
Image seems soft, but I know that can just be the upload, etc... You know whether it is or not.
Her smile looks like a posed smile and that she is not comfortable doing it. When I shoot someone, and need a smile, I might ask them about something that brings them joy and time it to watch for the smile. For example, do you have a dog... wait for it... and often times it will trigger a genuine smile. Again, time is always something you have to consider as to how much you can play with them to entice a real smile in both her mouth and eyes.
There it is blunt. I suspect you're like me, don't coddle me to tell me what I needed to do better.
Tried to do a professional headshot, please post any CC here. I am a tough person and can handle the worst of it.
View attachment 241925
Nice work between the untouched and the finished. You have the hang of the portrait retouch, just need to adjust the setup.
A trick for fly-away hair. Spray hairspray into the hand and then "pet" the strays down. Assuming that the shooting situation and professional situation allows for it. I actually keep a can of it in my gear.
There is only one opinion that matters and that one is your girl friend's. Did she like it?
Haha yes she said it was 'acceptable' haha, guess I need to try harder. But I did only use one speedlight.