Headshots are not exactly my "thing", but I've been told that any photographer worth his or her weight needs to be able to take a decent headshot. So this is my third attempt at headshots. The first two were not good, so I didn't feel like they should be subject to review because I knew they were bad. This is the first one I'm actually ok with submitting for critique to the community. I've been working on my coaching and people skills to pull out the expression from my subjects - which can be a challenge due to the fact that I'm relatively socially awkward.
I can see why you are OK with this headshot. Your lighting is beautiful, giving a clean businesslike and highly polished business style headshot that any professional photographer could be proud of. And yet it is at the same time; soft, warm and flattering with plenty of modelling so you have a very natural, attractive and convincing 3D effect. It is pin sharp where it matters, without being over sharpened, which always looks terribly amateurish and ugly. You have a lovely colour palette; her skin, eyes, make-up, blouse and hair all sitting just right in the image and the hair styling and make-up are beautifully judged and executed for a top quality headshot that is just the right balance between formal and relaxed. Even her earring is perfect, classy, understated and elegant. Then you have posed her in a way that flatters her and chosen a POV, to perfection. Your social awkwardness is not evident here, she has a very natural and pleaant smile.
I have been looking at this picture for a few minutes and I supose another variation on this pose that might have been just slightly better would have been essentially the same but with her face tilted up, just a little, because she has quite deeply set eyes and looking up would have opend them up to your lens, just a touch, whereas they are slightly under her brows in this image but now I am beeing very tough on you.
Finally, I think a white background ought to be almost burnt away to nothing, which is another way od saying there should be just a slight hint of neutal tone across the entire background. White should be visible but only just and it must not have any colour. To achieve this level of perfection reliably you will need a calibrated monitor, but looking at this photograph I am sure you are working with a calibrated screen already.
Truly, you have done a fabulous job and anyone who tells you otherwise, should show you their's. This is a very good photograph. Very well done.
I truly appreciate you taking the time to comment on this image. I'm on a constant (almost obsessive) quest to improve all the time. The F-Stoppers community is a very powerful resource because of people like you. Thanks again.
amazing observation and suggestion, well said.
i couldnt agree more with the eyes, i have the same problem bringin more eyes from model with heavy eyes..one suggestion coming from me would be i would of if there are some catch lights in her eyes..other than that, i think this is a solid piece, and perhaps your standar for good is too high, like most of all do. :D
cheers
Headshots should be one of your things. This looks great to me!
Nice work! Good lighting.
Killer shot. Lighting is on point and fantastic pose and expression.