Violin fairytale
I wasn't planning of taking a dedicated headshot during a senior/matric photoshoot. This is a cropped version that I feel lost some detail. However the overall look I am happy with. How should I raise the bar?
More Posts in: Headshot Photography
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2 Comments
Pieter,
Firstly, it's got a lot going for it. The violin leads us to her face, you've then got some essential light in the eyes and nice focus all round.No real distractions to an engaging story......
Raising the bar? Well, here's my two bob's worth...
1. Her eyes need to 'pop' more, 'cos that's where you want us to go.
A well placed reflector maybe? If one of the group's experts could comment on this that would be instructive.
2. Not knowing what's out to camera left side in the background, the shot feels a little cramped to me. Maybe a 4:3 aspect ratio to the left would achieve this.A line from the movie, The Enemy At The Gates often plays through my mind when selecting the background:
"The hunter always chooses the killing ground"
In practise, I try to organise the non-subject elements in the frame on how well they enhance the sitter. Once in place, I now concentrate on the sitter and helping everything working together for that crucial moment when the best that's possible is in play... about 3 seconds I reckon!
Regards -Greg
I think your original non-cropped version, minus the headroom and desaturated colors, is stronger. It has better context.
I'd work on your use of lighting (natural or otherwise). Pay attention to the face. In this case, her eye sockets are in deep (sort of) shadow. I'd also learn some dodge and burn to correct and even out some of the transitions. But, it's best to get the lighting as correct as possible in the first place so there's less work.
Towards the bottom right has a piece of her finger(s). I'd crop in more so they don't show.