portait advice

[WCpilot]

Well, that's about it. I'm looking for advice on portraits and headshots. I have a theatre tech buddy who told me about a summer photography internship at an Operahouse. He has shown them some of my old production photos, and they were impressed. They said between those, aerial shots (since I'm a pilot), and some good headshots that I'd be high on their list of choices. Plus I would be between pilot certificates, so sounds like a good idea for a summer. Only problem is, I don't have a lot of portriat/headshot experience. I have several friends set to model for me over the next few months, but I would really appreciate advice on anything (lighting, posing, good backgrounds, post processing, ANYTHING). I know this is an awful question to pose since it covers a huge subject. But any of the "I wish I'd known this way back when" kind of stuff is great. I can read about the rest I'm sure. Also, I'm somewhat limited in my options with lighting. I've got an SB-600 on a D50 so no off camera flash, and a 42" 5-in-1 reflector set. I'm looking into an Alienbees strobe set, but I won't be able to afford that until after the portfolio has been submitted in December anyway. Anyway, I really appreciate any help that you can offer.

[WesternGuy]

WC, if you Google portrait photography techniques as I did, you will (or should) get over 2 million hits. Take the first few and look at them and you will get some very interesting ideas and thoughts. HTH.

Cheers,

WesternGuy

[Frog]

Also if you look at this thread in the critique forum you'll see you're not alone and be able to glean advice Frustrated

[WCpilot]

Thank you both for the tips, they're both very helpful. Hopefully within the next week or two, I should have a set or two to start getting critiques on.