Senior Portrait/Headshot

Shane422

My cousin wanted some senior pics over the weekend, so I took it as an attempt to work on getting large catchlights. I was debating whether to remove the brolly "ribs" that show in the catchlights.

The setup is: 1} Alienbee B400 shot through a 36" brolly box about 2 ft from model, camera right. 2) 2 other lights on white muslin background 3) Sb600 on 1/8th power as hair light above and behind to camera left.

joshhuntnm

Nicely done. I am taking notes here.

I have two senior and recently had sr pics done at a studio. They didn't do any headshots--all half body or full body. I thought headshots went out with the hippies!

Shane422

I have only done a few senior pics, so I doubt that I am starting or following any trends. I just like close shots because the focus is so much easier. My full body shots always seem to lack sharp focus. But that has improved since I've been removing my UV filter for studio shots.

joshhuntnm

So, what is the key to getting catchlight?

Scott_Quier

joshhuntnm wrote:

So, what is the key to getting catchlight?

Putting a large enough light in front of them that you can see it's reflection in their eyes.

Shane422

My brolly box is only 36inches, so the key for me was to move it quite close.

joshhuntnm

Scott_Quier wrote:

Putting a large enough light in front of them that you can see it's reflection in their eyes.

That is why I like photography. It is all so logical, once you know the right answer!

jeffreaux2

I think your lighting looks pretty good, however, she is very straight on to the camera. Try turning her so that her shoulders are at angles to the camera, and then turn her head toward the camera.

Cantfeelmyfingers

I like the catchlights as is.. my only thing is the white vignetting!! not a fan! other than that it's lovely!

urbanaries

Cantfeelmyfingers wrote:

I like the catchlights as is.. my only thing is the white vignetting!! not a fan! other than that it's lovely!

! Lovely subject and great color and expression.

Mitchell

Great head shot with a really nice expression.

I like this tight crop but don't care for the white vignette. Perhaps a slight turn of the body with the light slightly higher.