Head Shot

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.

20170118-Final image.jpg
 

Moab Man

Senior Member
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 within 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.
 
Last edited:

Scott Murray

Senior Member
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.

Hair light correct - couldn't get more than one flash to fire - working on it.

Background was photoshopped in so I could have added range to it.

Posing, none done, both having beers and sorting out lighting.

Correct on shoulders.

Used a small reflector, didn't want to wash out the entire face. But understand what you are saying.

Image is not soft - crop below.

Smile is definitely posed as we were running out of ideas.

Love your bluntness ;)

20170118-20170118-20170118-DSC_0326-Edit-2.jpg
 

Dawg Pics

Senior Member
Darn good considering the alcohol content in the image. ;)
I have no critique for you, just some ribbing due to the consumed beer. Cheers! :very_drunk:
 

Moab Man

Senior Member
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.
 

Scott Murray

Senior Member
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.

I am sure my girlfriend would not mind haha
 

Blade Canyon

Senior Member
I like the finished product, but the portrait retouch makes her look like a different person. (I have the same complaint about the retouching software ads in Shutterbug and Pop Photo.)
 
Last edited:
Top