Headshots
Hi guys, new to the group. Hope to share my experiences with you. Please rate my photos, am I in the right direction on lighting and composition?
More Posts in: Headshot Photography
4
Last: Jul 27, 2026
Alan Brown
Bluristic mirror mode
I must admit I have been lax in both my shooting and posting recently, perhaps due to the fact my wife has now retired, and we are spending a LOT more time together doing various activities.
1
Last: Jul 27, 2026
Don L
An afternoon out on the water
It was mid September late in the afternoon, a group of sailboats were out on the water enjoying the weather, there was a soft breeze blowing, pushing on the sails.
5
Last: Jul 27, 2026
6 Comments
I prefer Photo #1. Feel there is a story being told.
Thanks Stefan
You are on the right path simply because you recognize the need to practice lighting and composition. It is something that all photographers continue to practice, it never ends. Suggestion: photo #1 have you model elevate her head a bit - her arms seem to be too dominate in the photo. Photo #2 Try to fill the frame with your model and be sure to take horizontal and vertical shots. Photo #3 Be careful with fingers in your photos - they can sometimes detract from your subject. As for lighting - it appears that you are using a single softbox, camera right for photos 1 & 2 and photo 3 looks like mixed lighting (natural light and a small flash unit). Try adding a reflector to your lighting kit. It is a cheap and effective way for you to extend your lighting kit. Think of it as an extra light. I hope this helps. Good luck to you.
Thanks Samuel, I actually went on to get the reflector, can't wait to see how the next couple shots turn out.
Hi Dennis.
Hey I really agree with Samuel's points. I use a reflector a lot. Needs no batteries, $30.00 to replace. Great kit. A technical consideration.
On the asthetic side, I'd like to suggest that shot three is the money shot here, simply because it's engaging. No#1 is a gaze with simple effective construction and a pleasing symmetry. Technically the best of them. Shot #2, to me, seems forced, like she's acting out something for the camera. She could easily be thinking about paying the power bill.... or something else just as boring.
However in No#3 , she's engaged with the lens, and something has obviously humoured her. The look, the pose, it's easily the most natural and plausible. In my opinion, that's what it's all about. The story, the vibe, something that draws me into the moment. It's the x factor that turns nice photos into captivating ones. Much harder of course, but that's why we love it!
Regards
-Greg
Hi Greg, I am really trying to get a hold of how to direct the model to pose, still getting a hang of it. I want to focus more on headshots and your input will help alot, so thanks for the advice, I have to keep practicing.