Yes. It did sound confusing now going back and reading. I read in the first photo. Flash behind. I though you where trying to do highlights from behind. So looking at the photo to me seemed to justify needing more light. And yes to the previous post. When cropping off some head it is generally done so some of the chin is cropped as well creating a balanced look. It's perfectly ok to chop off parts as long as it's done with pleasing results. Nice photo's though. Nice contrast from main and fill. Just some thoughts I think need improving. Remember, it's so easy for people to pick apart photos.
Okay, so more power with 1 lamp. Noted
I am not really agreeing on the cropping, dont think you have to cut a chin because you cut the head - but maybe I'll get a more intimate image with this suggestion, but on the other hand, I will remove to much of the background (leaves). I did the cropping in PP since I couldnt get close enough with the lens, so made a new (bright) edit. I prefer the one without the top of her head.
Its fine, I posted it to learn what to do better next time!
Just my opinion.
The first photo, although it's sharp and the expression is nice, your main light is way too low. I can see the shadow of the nose going up on her left cheek. Normally, the shadow should be making a triangle going down from the nose. This leaves the under part of the nose in the shadow and hides a little or the highlight she has on her left cheek between her nose and mouth.
The second shot, I find under-exposed or just too dark. I don't know if it could be brought up in post, but I find her eyes are way too dark for my taste.
You'll have to practice using your camera in vertical crop position…
I really have a problem with dark images.... Dont know what I/my screen/my eyes are doing wrong.
But here is one with 2 lamps, this really shouldn't be to dark! Right?
2 lamps with softbox in front of her, one more than the other - left and right side.
And fail - speedlight behind her, so not needed with a white background. On camera it looked right, on computer nooooot :/
Very difficult to get a white-white background I think, only small adjustments makes it tint either rosa, grey or blueish.