First time posting here, but don't hold back I am looking to improve in every way, and hearing the bad is part of learning.
First time posting here, but don't hold back I am looking to improve in every way, and hearing the bad is part of learning.
They both look like they are suffering from
‘frozen face syndrome’.
From a technical point of view shoot/crop wider, give the subject a bit more room in the frame. The top image reminds me of a photo booth picture from days gone by that one would use for a passport photograph, both in terms of look, crop and background.
The bottom image, grey jacket against a grey background is possibly not a great idea, again a bit tight on n the frame.
gotcha, and thank you. I'll keep in mind backing away for more room in the frame. The grey on grey was client requested, I had suggested white, the response was a no. Top image was also requested for the red background, so I had to work with what they wanted.
Congrats on your first post, here are my thoughts on how these images might be improved - I am only trying to be helpful :)
Top image:
- he's a bigger fellow, I would recommend backing up just a bit
- turn his body/shoulders, as it is, it appears like a driver's license
- he needs more catchlight in those dark eyes
- the pins on his collar are distracting, I know they probably mean something, to him, but they seem out of place for a headshot imo
- it goes without saying that his face is devoid of expression, his eyes are ok, but perhaps a slight grin or open lips would break the tension that is felt when looking at him.
- his shirt would look a little better with a pressed collar, and without the wrinkling
- I like the kicker on camera right, it would be nice if the left side of his head also had edge detail, or you could just turn him a bit and it wouldn't matter.
- I don't personally like the red curtain background, I would suggest either something plain or more abstract.
Bottom image:
- the expression on his face comes across as disinterested or annoyed, not what I would like to turn over to a paying client.
- key light is perfect, very good exposure!
- I would recommend a hair light to define his shoulders and head shape
- again, his dark eyes might benefit from more catchlight, something like a reflector from below can really make a huge difference
- I don't like the unbuttoned collar. Top button should be buttoned to compliment his "put together" look.
- Would be nice if you could remove that horizontal wrinkle in the shirt to the left of his tie
- there is something going on here that makes this image look hazy overall, like maybe the clarity slider was pulled to the left?
- increased contrast would help this photo. Crush the blacks a bit (except for the hair)
Good start! Remember, if you get the expression right, it will forgive a multitude of possible flaws. All these things I mentioned can help, but if you nail that look that captures the subject's essence, you are 99% of the way there. (something I am working towards daily as well!) Cheers!
fantastic...exactly what i was looking for. thank you so much for taking the time ti dissect these shots.
Oddly enough both of these wanted very little expression in their shots against my recommendation that some half smile would look better. No clue why they insisted. Red curtain backdrop was requested, he's a magican, which also is why the buttons are included as they mean something within the magic community.
Not defending against what you said as I agree, but did want to sort of justify why those things are there. Also, totally missed the wrinkles in the shirt good catch, and again he was persistent in having that top button undone.
I never even considered backing up on the bigger guy to slim him down, as well as turning him. Noted and logged away for future shoots.
Thanks again so much for your critique
No problem! Looking forward to seeing more of your work.