need help with headshots

[dk]

Hello from Utah,

I've been out for a while taking care of my dislocated shoulder; dislocated it twice while shooting snowmobiles at Widowmaker and Bear Lake Hillclimbs. Took last week off to heal and may go to the next event 3 and 4 March. While I was out of commission (just a bit slower) I've been practicing my headshots. I have two very patient models in my sons. Here are a couple shots that my wife loves but I think there may be something missing. What do you think?


I don't like sepia but this one isn't too bad; maybe a little hot on his forehead.





Although not a headshot, I'd still like to know how you think I'm progressing.


I am bound and determined to make photography my vocation.

Thanks a million.

David

[wendellt]

the first one seems a little flat only because of the position and brightness of the light source
your son has great facial features
It's your job to position him or charge the light to exentuate his features
1. try 1 static light source directly in front study what that does to his face
2. move it to the left side of the face study what that does
3. try different lightsource positions

usually a light source at 10 'o' clock just above and to the left of the face will exentuate his eyebrow ridge and nose
You will have to experiment because subtle changes int he position or light power can actually produce hard shadows or a desired effect

if you have flash on a remote cord this will make it easier to position a light source rather than moving a lamp around the place.

also mind the background somethign non distracting like a white wall or a black background

the 2nd one is a lovely shot i would just mention it looks like it needs slightly more contrast but that's it

and the 3rd shot is excellent, pose and lighting

[dk]

Wendell,

Thanks for the tips and comments. On number one, it seems a bit flat to me also. To correct this I essentially need the lighting to reveal the roundness of Tristan's face. I would position additional lights or at least reflectors to gain the more three-demensional look. I hope this is correct.

Number two. When you say I need more contrast, what does that mean? What is contrast?

Number three, thanks for the comments and all your help. BTW, I had a look at your website; wow, I'm impressed.

Thanks again.

David

[wendellt]

actually on number two looking at it again it's exposed well. Adding more contrast like adjusting the highlights and shadows would exentuate the face
but darken the jumper your son is wearing
perhaps do a selection on his face and then adjust highlight and shadow tones to improve contrast

although it is a difessed light portrait so this difussed soft flat look may be what your after, it does have a nice feel

I guess just play around with the lighting position on the first it is flat and many would say overexposed, it workd best if the room is slightly dark so you can just concentrate on the lighting from the flash rather than complicating the scene with reflectors and additional lights, start simple then move on to more complicated lighting setup. For this type of indoor portrait a reflectors efffects would be minimal, you don't need to use one.

but persoanlly artistically don't find anythign wrong with an overexposed image as it has a certain ambience to it

[Matt. K]

David
These are beautiful portraits. Stop thinking about technique and just keep shooting them under different conditions. Maybe try reducing your exposure by about 0.7 for a more moody, sombre effect.

[mudder]

In the first one, the lack of any detail below the boys head makes him look as though he's sort of floating there, well to me it does...

The second one I like as a nice natural smile, seems nicely exposed, background's busy but nice shot...

Ah, the third one is the pick of the bunch for me... Love the light and the scene near the old paling fence, deep in thought, makes me wonder what he's thinking of???... Really like this...

[dk]

I am grateful to you all for your kindness and thoughtful comments. Aside from my dear family, I love photography. I try with all this 52 year old brain and heart can give to produce images that are appealing to the client, and thought-provoking to everyone else.

Again I appreciate you all.

Thanks a million.
David