headshots take II

i posted a few headshots a couple months ago, and had the opportunity to do them again. Let me know what you think.

http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/4...dshot029nr.jpghttp://img206.imageshack.us/img206//headshot041iz.jpghttp://img206.imageshack.us/img206/1...dshot072ni.jpghttp://img206.imageshack.us/img206/6...dshot081lv.jpghttp://img206.imageshack.us/img206/9...dshot058wd.jpg


sorry for the many shots, i just really like them.

The first there isn't enough light on her face, looks like she's in a shadow. the middle is way too soft, especialy on the left side of her face. The last one is OK

JS

portraits/headshots aren't supposed to be sharp. That's why you apply gaussian blurs to them. There's more than enough light in the first shot, as the light was pointing straight at her face.

I know a lot of portrait photographers and they shoot clean sharp portraits as well as a few "soft" portraits using specific soft lenses and the center shot is not even and therefore doesn't look right to me, The first shot the lighting is incorrect. It may be straight on but it's causing shadows and bright spots that are detracting.

JS

Hi,
I like the last shot the most.
I especially like the inviting expression of the girl.
I am not sure about the shadow on the left.
Thanks for sharing.
yoyo

1 & 2 look nice and natural, but the lighting in #1 I don't like.
3 I don't like at all, looks more like a stare !
4 & 5 you're getting different poses, and it makes her look totally different.

I think of the set, #2 and #4 are the best.

Hi - Some decent shots here. Numbers 2 and 3 are my favorites. I think you captured the essense of the model. She seems to be relaxed and has a good smile. I am not sure I like the purple on her though - it doesnt compliment her red hair very well (but it does match the season..).

As far as lighting, I think it's almost there. I would illuminate her face just a little bit more (seems dark). The first two shots are better in this respect. And as much as I like the third shot, I would have preferred that her back hand was leaning against something else other than the wall, which just seems too unplanned.

Wrt the sharp vs soft debate, I prefer sharp but agree that it doesn't work with every model.

GB

Interesting shots...besides the lighting and the sharpness discussion, I'm not sure I like the clothing change near the end. I think if you were to have this as a continous shot I'd drop out the blue shirt shot. I think the idea is a neat one (kind of to break the pattern) but it just doesn't jive for me in this shot.

Nice series,

Jared

I like #4 and #1 the best.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by livin4lax09

portraits/headshots aren't supposed to be sharp. That's why you apply gaussian blurs to them. There's more than enough light in the first shot, as the light was pointing straight at her face.

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Why ask for a critique if when someone offers it, you feel you have to defend the original shot?:confused: :) It kinda stinks when people don't like what we do, but it helps us learn.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lava Lamp

Why ask for a critique if when someone offers it, you feel you have to defend the original shot?:confused: :) It kinda stinks when people don't like what we do, but it helps us learn.

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That is the most important thing said in this whole thread.

sorry for the tweak, i was having a rough night. THe reason for the softness on the left side of the head is because of the cloning that i did to clone out the random pieces of hair. I edited them a bit more and played with the curves and got the following.

just a fun one in the middle
http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/4...lection2qe.jpg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by livin4lax09

portraits/headshots aren't supposed to be sharp. That's why you apply gaussian blurs to them. There's more than enough light in the first shot, as the light was pointing straight at her face.

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I dissagree with this livin4lax09,,,,portraits are suppose to be sharp especially the eyes,,the rest can comfortably blur into softness as long as the eyes are sharp..

Here is an image of my daughter with very simple lighting..Canon 580X flash mounted to the hotshoe with the flash head swivelled away from the subject so the light bounced off a wall behind me..

Jurgen
Australia

I strongly agree with Yogestee. His photo demonstrates expertise in portraiture and he is totally correct about sharpness. Gaussian blur is only used in a very creative manner as well, to take the attention away from obvious skin problems.

I think too many photographers here are experimenting with portraits without really reading, studying, understanding, and using the techniques in this area. No one is going to be able to do great portraits without a considerable amount of work and effort and training their eye to see the problems in their own work. If you become defensive about your own work, then you will never reach the level of a good portrait photographer.

Ronnoco

I like the smile and pose of the second shot. It seems like she is relaxed and is having a good time. My favorite is either the 3rd or the 5th one. She has a great expressions that is either shows she is a little mysterious, or she's got a slight attitude problem. :)