Ashley

Ashley was on drill team with my daughter and graduated last year. She made it on the Houston Texans cheerleader team on her first time to try out last year and is getting her tryout package together for this year. Hence today's headshot job.
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 Ashley Full.jpg - 55.73 KB - 34 views

 Ashley Headshot.jpg - 89.72 KB - 33 views

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-John
Sarcasm, frustrating the clueless since 3000 b.c.
"There is no Un-Suck filter" David duChemin

Check out the new blog. http://www.jklebphoto.wordpress.com

I know you're not supposed to edit headshots, but if you darken just the top parts of her blue eyes, she won't look quite so shocked. Smiley Might also want to get rid of the one reflection on that tooth. Otherwise, I think it's a very nice headshot. Be careful in the future not to cut off the tops of heads in a headshot. Wink
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I think your light could have been higher. See how the shadow of her nose on her cheek is so high? I think that would have flattered her features a little more. But other than that she is a really pretty girl and your white background is great.
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Well, John, I honestly think you are capable of much better than this and you should give her another chance.  I hope I don't upset you too much, but I'm going to be very candid here.

The main is too low, the hair light is too far forward.  You have created a ghoulish-cross-light pattern here that isn't flattering or cohesive.  The main needs to be moved way up from where it is.  The hair light way back... it should not create additional highlights on her far cheek and nose.  The hair light is also too hot, it's blown out her hair instead of enhancing it.  Also, if you will bring up the ambient light her pupils will be a little smaller and we will be able to see much more of that beautiful blue color of her eyes.  Her eyes are beautiful!  Get some of that dark makeup off of them and light them so they sell all the rest of her beauty.  She is very pretty, but her eyes could mesmerize anyone looking at her headshot.  I would suggest some more glamour type lighting styles as well, with some soft focus and fairly flat light.

You are very capable of perfecting this image, but I think you need to give it another shot... for both of you.

Again, this is very pointed, but I don't intend to be cruel, I just think you can do better.

Travis
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Taking another look at it y'all are right. The hairlight thing was already bugging me. The place I have to shoot this is really limiting me on light placement. It's just barely wide enough to fit the seamless so background lights are killing me. I'm trying to use one light in a silver bounce umbrella to light both the background and use as a hair light. I can get one or the other well, but trying to do both leaves neither good. The low main was completely my fault. I have the ceiling height for a change I just didn't use it. I either have to rethink how I can make this set-up work, or use a different location. Already offered her a re-shoot too.
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-John
Sarcasm, frustrating the clueless since 3000 b.c.
"There is no Un-Suck filter" David duChemin

Check out the new blog. http://www.jklebphoto.wordpress.com

How about using a single main light just slightly off axis of the camera... not quite flat, but with very little modeling.  Then use your other light just for the background.  If you have a large modifier for your main, move it in very close and it will be very soft and light her hair just fine.  You don't need additional separation with the white background, so that does not need to be a concern.  If you need a little kick to give her hair some shimmer, try a silver reflector to pick up some of the main light spill and push it back on her hair.  Maybe this will allow you to get everything you want in the limited space you are working in.

Travis
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