Annie #1

[clayhaus]

Had an indoor shoot with a friend and some lights a few days ago. Trying to learn the ropes of portraiture as well as perhaps even develop my own style. I'll try to post an image a day for several days and any feedback/criticism would be appreciated, as always.

[GB1]

Not bad at all, but think isolation of your model ... it has a lot of potential, but that object behind her head interferes. The scene is dark and I think that works, but the choice of a black jacket is tough to make work as it disappears into the background. Might consider zooming in a little more, too, as seeing that much of her legs is unnecessary. I like her eye contact and expression - think it has a classy look, esp in an art gallery. The shot is really about her face and eyes, but itt has to be sharper as her face and eyes are too soft.

Get going on that portraiture work - you're off to a pretty good start.

G

[jetrim]

A couple things to consider...
Raise the key light up higher (usually 1/3 higher than the model more or less) This will place the shadows in more pleasing location. With exception of the light height, you have the ratios right for a very classic portraiture style called "rembrandt lighting".

Introduce a second light or reflector to define the dark side of the head and separate it from it's background (usually referred to as a hair light or kicker)

Be careful of little details like the face of the watch reflecting too much light, easily cured by placing something between the light and the lower arm (called a gobo, flag, or dot depending on size and shape - alternately use a cutter on the lower part of the light, it's like a ND filter for your light source)

[armando_m]

other than the excellent input from gb and jet , her left eye needs a bit more light, maybe have her look a bit to the right

great portrait

[clayhaus]

Excellent comments guys! I really had not noticed the dim light behind her head nor her watch. Of course, now I do! I can take care of those in post processing, but it tells me that I need to pay more attention when shooting as well. This shot was with one light to the left and yes I can see that raising it would have helped. This particular image I wanted noir-esque (chiaroscuro!) so I got that right. I did introduce a soft glow overall in PP, but perhaps should have masked out her eyes.