First Corporate Head Shot

[schrackman]

This is a State Farm insurance agent that asked me to do her portrait. I have more shots of her but this one stuck out to me. And yes, I am getting paid, so comments and critiques are definitely needed, please.

Canon DRebel, EF 50mm f/1.8, shot in RAW, f/2.8 @125th, no adjustment to color temp but selective color and hue/saturation adjustments made to the background. Used two Britek BB-50 studio strobes.

[jbaldocchi]

She seems a little tense for my liking. I know how hard it is to get the model to relax. Also here hair could use a little work, it has a bit of just out of the shower look to it.

Jim B.

[J-Dogg Productions]

well besides her looks i think you did everything great nice backdrop its clear no shadows on her face good job

jay

[trog100]

the skin tones could do with being a little warmer.. it has the typical canon look about it.. u could also fuzz it a little..

trog

[schrackman]

Thanks for the replies, everyone. I agree she was a bit stiff, but then again so was I.

Here's a second shot. Again, critiques needed. A tad warmer than the first. Where's Ronnoco when you need him? lol

[Greg McCary]

I think #1 is great, but I also feel that some touch up with PS is in order and then it would be very good. She looks as though her face is a bit shiny and I see some kind if light reflection on her lips. I am not studio expert but I do feel these minor issues could be easily fixed. Very nicely done....
Greg

[trog100]

i prefer number two.. the overall effect is more flattering.. she looks more a "power figure" as opposed to a nervous mom in a suit..

ultimatley its her that has to like what u produce.. bring out the points u think she will like and hide the points u think she wont like..

its up to u to work out which is which.. for example she is not a "pretty young thing" so dont try and make her like one..

tell her what u are trying to do.. her reaction will tell u whether or not u are on the right track.. he he

take lots of shots.. some will work.. the more u take the more chance u have..

trog

[poker]

As is, I like the first one more because her clothing in the second shot gets sloppy as she crosses her arms.

I made a close up crop of her head (from second shot) starting from the bottom half of her lapel and up....and I like it much better.

The color temp and skin tone are fine to me for this business purpose. In comparison, I laugh at realestate agents and their soft focus, warm tone glamour shot on bus bench advertising.

Nice lighting control and backdrop.

Good job sir!!!

[Ronnoco]

I don't even know where to start. If you don't have a good eye or perhaps the right diplomatic approach, then you should work with a woman who is both excellent with makeup and knows what clothes create what kind of look.

Your first task is to really look at your subject. What is positive about her look and appearance that could benefit from being emphasized in your shot. Just as important what is negative about her appearance and look that needs to be de-emphasized. You also need to look at whether she dresses appropriately for the professional look that she is probably trying to display and does hair, makeup and dress all positively contribute.
The colour of your background too has to mix well with hair, eye colour, and clothes.

Her pose will also make her seem fat, thin, slim, pudgy, confident, arrogant, etc. and will reveal something about her character. You need to know something about her character, style, personality etc. in order to try and reveal it positively in the shot. That means talking to her and asking the right questions, before and even during the shoot.

This shot shows that you have not done this preparation before you began, with the result that you have missed a lot. To just begin, wrong clothing, considerable work needed on hair both by an assistant in combing etc. and in lighting. The green eyes need to be emphasized better to go with the auburn hair. Your challenge also was to make the face look slimmer and to get the skin colour correct which also needs work. The pose does not seem right, but I would have to know more about her to think about that one. Also the person, neither clothes, hair or anything else should even come close to blending in with the background and hair should be properly lit from all sides and in sharp focus.

Ronnoco

[schrackman]

Ronnoco,

Thanks for your input. I agree that the hair and makeup needs work, as does the wardrobe. While I don't have a hairstylist, make-up artist or wardrobe expert I suppose I can sit down with my next client, get to know them a bit better, and make some helpful suggestions in these areas. I think all these are excellent points and of which I was wanting to hear as I hope to continue doing these types of portraits. Lighting is also limited for now, as you can tell by the setup I am using.

However, I do have one question to ask you...it is quite obvious the woman is pudgy, and I'm having a hard time visualizing what you were saying about posing. I've sifted through several, several corporate portraits online to try and give me an idea on how to pose this woman in hopes of underemphasizing her weight. So my question is, do you have an example from your own work that would give me a better idea as to what you are suggesting? That way I have a bit of a visual of what you are saying to help guide me along for the next time.

[MJS]

Be careful Ray, you got what you wished for. Besides everything already stated, You might want to meter the lights and try for a different lighting ratio. Try shooting something where your key light works out to f/8, and the fill light, positioned at eye level to subject, right at the camera position is set to f5.6 and then f/4. Try to keep the subject about 6 feet off the background. Make sure you meter one light at a time so you can get the true reading.

[schrackman]

Be careful Ray, you got what you wished for.

Precisely. I know Ronnoco is no holds barred when it comes to critique. That's why I wanted him to chime in. Not always, but much of the time I agree with his assessment of photos, particularly portraits.

Besides everything already stated, You might want to meter the lights and try for a different lighting ratio. Try shooting something where your key light works out to f/8, and the fill light, positioned at eye level to subject, right at the camera position is set to f5.6 and then f/4. Try to keep the subject about 6 feet off the background. Make sure you meter one light at a time so you can get the true reading.

As I mentioned above, I am limited by the lights I'm using. However, I can certainly play around with them a bit more to see what I can come up with. Thanks for the comments.

[Greg McCary]

I think she looks very State Farmish, if that makes since. It's a good as anything I ever remember seeing. The big question, Is she happy?
Greg

[yogestee]

I don't even know where to start. If you don't have a good eye or perhaps the right diplomatic approach, then you should work with a woman who is both excellent with makeup and knows what clothes create what kind of look.

Your first task is to really look at your subject. What is positive about her look and appearance that could benefit from being emphasized in your shot. Just as important what is negative about her appearance and look that needs to be de-emphasized. You also need to look at whether she dresses appropriately for the professional look that she is probably trying to display and does hair, makeup and dress all positively contribute.
The colour of your background too has to mix well with hair, eye colour, and clothes.

Her pose will also make her seem fat, thin, slim, pudgy, confident, arrogant, etc. and will reveal something about her character. You need to know something about her character, style, personality etc. in order to try and reveal it positively in the shot. That means talking to her and asking the right questions, before and even during the shoot.

This shot shows that you have not done this preparation before you began, with the result that you have missed a lot. To just begin, wrong clothing, considerable work needed on hair both by an assistant in combing etc. and in lighting. The green eyes need to be emphasized better to go with the auburn hair. Your challenge also was to make the face look slimmer and to get the skin colour correct which also needs work. The pose does not seem right, but I would have to know more about her to think about that one. Also the person, neither clothes, hair or anything else should even come close to blending in with the background and hair should be properly lit from all sides and in sharp focus.

Ronnoco

Jesus H Christ Ronnoco,,its a corporate photograph NOT a Fashion/Glamour/Beauty shot!!!

Jurgen

[milhouse]

Crossed arms in general is never a very inviting.

[poker]

I think she looks very State Farmish, if that makes since. It's a good as anything I ever remember seeing. The big question, Is she happy?
Greg

"she looks very State Farmish"

:lol: :lol: :lol:

IT'S THE QUOTE OF THE MONTH!!!

I love it!!!

I still say, "good job RAY!!"

Did you try that crop I suggested?

[Lava Lamp]

I've done a little of this and I know it ain't easy. My first thought on the first one that she looked too pale and shiny and that the black jacket and expance of chest contributed to this. Also the background looked too much like a school picture to me. Also, the way white shirt kinda billows up as it leave the frame looks a little odd. Finally, she looks too tense and has a "cheese" grimace.

All that sounds like a lotta critique, but like I said, it isn't easy and I hope you don't take any of that personally. The cheese smile tenseness can go away if you fire off enough shots. After 100, she won't be so tense. Also, what I do is say: 'Let's do some formal shots and some fun stuff and you can see which ones you like best." I might even try some outside, etc. Try a few different outfits. As her if there are any State Farm portraits that she really likes an see what they did.

[schrackman]

Crossed arms in general is never a very inviting.

Well interestingly enough, the crossing of arms seems to be a favorite pose for many of the corporate portraits I looked at. I guess it's supposed to convey the "I can do it, you can count on me" feeling.

Say, how do you like that 30D? I've been thinking about upgrading to it.

[schrackman]

All that sounds like a lotta critique, but like I said, it isn't easy and I hope you don't take any of that personally.

Nope, not at all. This is, after all, critique forum. It's where you come to hear the good, bad and the ugly. If someone can help me constructively be a better portrait photographer, then I welcome it.

Manasca, I gave the first one a better crop. Less chest showing now, and it seems to help. Haven't got to the second one yet.

[Loupey]

Good solid results, Ray.

I agree with many of the points Ronnoco brings up about getting to know the subject (just not to the degree expressed). I know it seems natural to tell the subject to bring clothes which he/she feels is appropriate for the type of portrait desired, but it is actually your (photographer's) job to decide what kind of wardrobe/colors they should bring. Generally for advertising work, blacks, whites, and reds are typically NOT selected (unless you are shooting politicians, bankers, lawyers, accountants... you get the drift ).

As for crossed arms, some people can do it and look natural and relaxed. Others can't. I would put her in the latter.

Make-up falls in the above (not allowing the subject to do it). I know budgets probably don't allow for hiring a make-up/stylist now. But partnering up with someone who does may be something to think about in the future. At a minimum, powder to remove the sheen is just about a "given". I think that is why the images feel a little harsh in these images.

I know this is not a fashion/glamour shot, but these type of shots can appear in a lot of different places. I little extra effort can be great for your client and, therefore, for you too.

[schrackman]

Good points, Loupey. I sure wish I could get my daughter to come live where I do. She's a cosmotology student and her team won first place in a competition in Santa Cruz. She was the one doing the make-up, not the hair. But she can do hair too.

I kinda redid the first shot. Gave it a crop, took the color out of the background, and warmed the face up a bit (even livened up the eyes a little). Whad'ya think? The client is happy with the photos, but should I consider a reshoot with a different backdrop? I don't think she would mind, but I would like to give her something that I am more comfortable with.

[MB1]

...I kinda redid the first shot. Gave it a crop, took the color out of the background, and warmed the face up a bit (even livened up the eyes a little). Whad'ya think? ........

#1-If your client is happy quit while you are ahead. Don't ask for a re-shoot unless you are sure you can do much, much better or she will no longer be happy. Don't forget that the customer doesn't always want to look like a glamor queen, usually they just want to look their best not like some model in an advertisment. Likely being happy with your work she will refer a few folks to you so this won't be your last chance to do this.

#2 I think this iteration of you image is better. Desaturating the background and warming her skin tones really made her stand out in the shot.

#3 The title of this post "First Corporate Head Shot" made me think it was going to be about murder and mayhem not a portrait.

[readingr]

Ray,

I'd be pleased if it was mine, but I don't take many portraits so can't really help.

Since she's happy I would quit.

Roger

[MarcusK]

Well, i'm sorry, but i'll have to agree with Ronnoco, not only because of the way he "always" delivers his criticism...but also in the content...

We are here to learn, and shock therapy, although has proven inefficient ( i think) electrically... i believe it is the best way emotionally....

As for the rest... Corporate Head Shots are just as important and equally demanding as Fashion/Glamour/Beauty.... as photographers we are not supposed to give less attention to an image because it does not fit the Fame and Fortune category....

Something tells me shrackman is not about to take it lightly next time....

I know i usually preapre myself for criticism....however harsh it is... it is nothing personal....
I've had my share of it (form Ronnoco too) and took it in for what it really is....

Roger - I wouldn't quite agree about the "if she's happy" since she doesn't exactly know whether to be happy or not... she wants to be, and since this is not a miserable failure, she took it....

Its a good effort although it could have been better!
Marc

[Asylum Steve]

Jesus H Christ Ronnoco,,its a corporate photograph NOT a Fashion/Glamour/Beauty shot!!!...

Perhaps, but his assessment is dead-on correct. The less attractive a subject is, the harder the photog needs to work at styling, lighting, and pose, to make them look their best...