Shooting headshots

Shutterflower,

I am going to make an exception to my rule of never commenting on some one else's photos. These are just my opinions and take them for what they are worth.

I think you need to be aware of the lighting in your photos. The human eye is naturally drawn to the brightest portion of a photo, if you are wanting attention to be drawn to your model's facial features then her face should be the lightest element in the photo. I have darkened a couple of your photos to exaggerate my point. Notice the "hot spots" in the photos, these are the areas that first grab our attention.

In photo #4 your model's right arm should be bent slightly into a "C" shape. As it is now it is straight and gives a rigid tense feeling to the photo. Look at the curve of her arm in photo #1, this is a very pleasing feminine curve. Also her fingers should be togther and slightly bent. When you crop a person you should never crop at a joint like the ankle, knee, elbow; it gives the person an amputated look.

An old portrait photographer once told me that if it can bend it should be bent. I think what he meant was to have "C" and "s" shaped curves to your subjects with their arms, legs, fingers etc.

I think you are doing very well on these.

Wayne
 

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Thank you very much to everyone here who posted advice. Wayne, your advice is fantastic, and the same for everyone else.

One day at a time.
 
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