I am a photography enthusiast . Recently got attracted to Head-shot photography after watching some stunning images by Patrick Dylan and Peter Hurley.
I attempted something similar and would like to build on it,
Please comment on the uploaded photo and let me know where to improve and how to improve. My set up is D7000,SB800 and SB600.
A headshot can be photographed in many ways and there's no right or wrong one. There are just preferences.
My preferences are to have a very definite expression which does not say "Press the button, I'm ready" but it's like the camera is not there but the model is looking at the viewer.
Another preference I have is lighting that's less flat than yours. When photographing people it's all about the interaction with your subjects but first of all you have to nail the technical part down and then to put your efforts towards the expression part.
Most beginners are trying to match the composition of the headshot style of Dylan and Peter. However this type of composition is probably 10% of the essence of the headshot. There's more about it and it takes time for understanding and practice.
Very well said !, so on the technicality part , what improvements would you like to see ?
and also when you say lighting more flat , what do you mean, i am sorry i am novice to this , i don't understand some of the terms , these may be common to you but i don't know them , that is why i am asking
It's not an answer that can be fit in a single paragraph. If you are a novice start with the different types of lights — soft light, hard light, light ratios, shaping the face with light, etc.
Then you can come back to the headshots subject. It's a long way to go.
Thanks !
Yes i had two white foam boards underneath to fill in some harsh shadows