Needing some professional feedback

Lytro Illum Light Field Digital

08/18/2011 10:36:29 AM · #1

These are the first head shots I have been hired to take. One was a business shot and the other two for his acting career. I could really use some professional feedback on how I can make better ones in the future if anyone has any. I tried to use a reflector with him to help soften the shadows, but he kept on squinting from the glare, so I had to shoot without. Is there a way to use one without killing your subject's eyes?

And what about post production? Did I over-edit? Have I not edited enough? Are these decent? As an amateur, they look pretty sound to me. However they are my own photos and I don't trust my judgement quite yet.

Thanks a million.

Message edited by author 2011-08-18 10:40:06.

SaraR

Sony Alpha a7R III

Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM

08/18/2011 12:01:35 PM · #2

Sent you a PM.

yakatme

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

08/18/2011 02:28:40 PM · #3

In general, I think that your images could have benefited from being taken in better light (early morning or late afternoon) and from using supplemental lighting (flash with a large softbox).

Specifically:

The first one seems soft, maybe a bit out of focus.

The blown out background in the second one doesn't lend anything to the image and actually detracts from it. Reducing your exposure of ambient light and using supplemental lighting for your subject would help tremendously.

You are right about the squinting in the third image. It looks like he is straining and that doesn't allow for good results.

I hope that this quick critique doesn't come off as too harsh. I'm just in a bit of a time crunch but I still wanted to help.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

08/18/2011 02:37:26 PM · #4

Thank you so much, Yak and Sara. Don't worry about being to harsh. Honesty is all I ask of critiques. If I was looking for a "Good Job" or a pat on the back, I would ask my family.

You guys are here to help build each other into better artists and I appreciate that. =)

TLL061

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

08/18/2011 05:11:40 PM · #5

i agree with robert I also think that a prime lens like 50 1.4, 50 1.8 or 85 1.8 lens would be better for a portrait if you jump the aperture a stop or two , If its 2.8 shoot at 3.5 or 5.6 and keep trying

crowis

Canon EOS-60D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

08/18/2011 05:16:48 PM · #6

If I understand Melodics background, she is relatively new to photography so talking F stop's and prime lenses for portraiture is probably a bit overmuch at this stage. What I would simply say is that the second shot is blown out a bit due to the bright background, though an attractive shot. The first shot might have worked better if the building behind your client were a bit out of focus, as it would draw him forward in the shot. . . If you would have been standing a few feet forward from where he was at it might have worked a bit better.

Message edited by author 2011-08-18 17:59:05.

tanguera

Nikon D750

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

08/18/2011 07:17:30 PM · #7

Hi Amy,
If you are going to do headshots for actors, it would be of great value for you to familiarize yourself with the current trends in headshot photography, and what a headshots needs in order to stand out from the page of 300+ thumbnails casting directors look at for each role. I suggest you get on any one of the numerous casting sites on the web (Actor's Access being the largest) and study it carefully. Successful headshots tend to have a strong, colorful, featureless background, and be quite tight around the face - barely any shoulders. The face is everything. If you are going to do natural light, you need to choose your locations very carefully to avoid distractions, over-brightness, and the use of the reflector, which as you see, will make your subject squint. And even if you use natural light, the lighting should bring out the subject - my biggest objection to your images is simply that the lighting is very even across the board, resulting in a flat looking image.

For corporate, depending on the company, and the look they are going for, you need a much more formal setting, and almost always, lighting.

Message edited by author 2011-08-18 19:17:59.

Canon EF 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 II

08/18/2011 09:17:45 PM · #8

Thank you all so much for your feedback!

Crowis is correct in that I am new to photography, however I much appreciate talking in technical terms. I have been working on familiarizing myself with my equipment and the more I hear and see it, the more I learn.

I want so desperately to be more than just "that girl who thinks she can take pictures" and have been working hard to make it so.

crowis

Canon EOS-60D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

08/18/2011 09:29:11 PM · #9

Originally posted by melodicgrace:

Not trying to indicate you cannot handle the discourse, merely pointing out that when you are new (and I know from very recent experience) that it is better to explain the hows and why's as opposed to just putting out the solution. . . LOL.

Best of luck, Melodic. OMG PALLY!

dtremain

Canon EOS 80D

08/18/2011 09:42:31 PM · #10

To me, your subject looks a bit less than comfortable. He looks posed in all the shots, with a put-on expression. Try to get him to relax, be himself, and even forget there is a camera present. Usually, if the subject isn't tense, the shots come out much better.
IMO - you've shown great judgement and professionalism by posting them here to get peoples' impressions. It is too easy (at least for me) to overlook the things that are immediately obvious to most others, because I'm used to seeing the shots. (and they're mine, after all...)

08/19/2011 09:03:27 AM · #11

Originally posted by crowis:

Best of luck, Melodic. OMG PALLY!

OMG don't go there.... LoL. Someone on this site actually already PMed me about that video... I have a feeling that's what I will forever be known for on the internet. =(

SaraR

Sony Alpha a7R III

Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM

08/19/2011 10:05:40 AM · #12

Originally posted by melodicgrace:

Originally posted by crowis:

Best of luck, Melodic. OMG PALLY!

OMG don't go there.... LoL. Someone on this site actually already PMed me about that video... I have a feeling that's what I will forever be known for on the internet. =(

This track is amazing! I could listen to it all day :)