trc Loc: Logan, OH

These two images are from a shoot this past Wednesday. Critiques and comments welcome and are of interest to me. Thoughts on the Pros and Cons of one image vs. the other would be appreciated. I am aware of her camera right elbow very closely bordering the edge of the frame, but I feel it is quite acceptable since it is leading the eyes back to the wall or rear of the image/frame, and may even add to the image? I also purposely had Caylee drop her camera left shoulder to give that linear look/profile of her body since she is slim and adds depth to the image. Thank you.

Best Regards,
Tom

Caylee about 1/2 to 3/4 length

(Download)

Traditional Headshot

(Download)

Frank2013 Loc: San Antonio, TX. & Milwaukee, WI.

#1....arm is distracting from her face. If you want a longer look crop from bottom up to just past the crease in her shirt above the thumb.

#2.....crop up from bottom to just above lower button.

I by no means have any credentials to back up what I'm saying. You know the look you are after, for me her left eye is too much in the shadow so the lighting might need adjusting.

Just some brief thoughts.

trc Loc: Logan, OH

Frank,

Thank you Frank. With this head shot I was trying to get a more business looking Head Shot and not a glamour shot, so to speak. Yes, it is kind of like a combination Model/Business shot so I guess in the back of my mind I was trying to get a little of both - since she is a model I wanted a little of that with an attractive image, but also wanted to promote a semi-business aire as well, so when she might possibly hand out a business card or put it on a web site, it would come across as 'business' but a respectable looking model as well. The crossed arm with her camera left shoulder protruding out a little was to also give a feeling like a business shot and not specifically a modeling shot - kind of like the best of both worlds.

As for her camera right eye being a little in the dark, there again it was more like a modeling shot as many modeling shots will use this to promote a little intrigue and mystery. I even tried to lighten it up just a tad, so I was thinking about it during Post. This was done intentionally and for a certain feel for the image. It is tough to balance a business atmosphere and a modeling atmosphere in the same shot - at least for me.

The crossed arms is defintely a business/matter of fact effort to the image and by no means for glamour or for the modeling aspect of the image. That also is why she has a more stern look! Hopefully I have explained the image with a little more descriptive detail and purpose of the shot, which I should have done in the beginning, but did not want to influence viewer's thoughts. One thing I was actually looking for, in comments, was the 1/2 length vs. tighter crop, and which came across better, and why. Thank you very much, Frank.

Best Regards,
Tom

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

I think Frank has probably got the crops right. To me she looks like her camera left arm is hurting so she has to hold it! Hands are often omitted due their difficulty but can add a lot to a portrait. Perhaps go longer and bring the full arm and hand into frame? But it will still look a bit pulled-in by the gripping hand I think. Like Frank says, who am I to comment, I always keep portraits very short!

Frank2013 Loc: San Antonio, TX. & Milwaukee, WI.

If it’s a business shot then #1 may be the better pick, if glamour #2. I would suggest changing the background color as her hair blends away to much. Choose a solid color blouse rather than white, something that might compliment her eye color nothing overpowering. Get the hair away from the eye ( it’s broadcasting a tiny bit of sultry or sensual look if you will, not what you want) also get that lower button buttoned and a slight smile no teeth may be preferred. Get her to relax that pose, while good she looks too tight. Your on the right track but need to make a decision if it’s glamour or business, if business then get to it.


Edit: Something earlier I couldn't put my finger on Tom. I took these into photoshop and looked around. There is a clear halo or motion caught or something, the edge of her shirt, her hand, her chin, her hair......what is that?

ediesaul

I like both shots. One depicts a strong woman. The other image is interesting because, to me, while the face is projecting strength, the arm hints at a more psychological image...a woman trying to be strong but alone, not reaching out to her audience but rather insulating herself. The only aspect that is disturbing, to me, are her pupils, which seem to jump out of the photo and seem, to me, unnatural.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

No. 2 is the choice I'd make. No.1 has some issues, most have already been mentioned.
--Bob

mcveed Loc: Kelowna, British Columbia (between trips)

You might want to check your lighting set up. There is a very obvious shadow line around every edge of her blouse as well as the camera left edge of her cheek, chin and hand.

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

I'm not a portraitist, but I find her gaze to be very captivating. I love the exposure of the white blouse. It has a soft look to it even though it is in sharp focus. I think the second, closer, shot is more appealing. I can tell that she is slender without seeing the 1/2 to3/4 view. I want to see her face really and the wider shot is not an asset here. That would be my decidedly non expert opinion.

Erich

trc Loc: Logan, OH

Hi Edie,

Your comments are really the most in tune with the theme or objective of these shots. Thank you. As for her eyes, I find that interesting since I did very little to them. I told her to look at me, not my camera - in other words, look through or past the lens believing she is really looking at me. That also sometimes makes the model believe she is not being photographed and is just looking at someone, not the camera, and the camera disappears in their mind. Thanks again.

Best Regards,
Tom

trc Loc: Logan, OH

Hi Frank,

Thanks for the comments. I guess I never noticed the halo around her arm/shirt, but it does look like a halo to me as well now that I zoomed in to the image. I had to lighten the background a little in Post to maintain separation, and I would imagine it is from doing that and not taking it out (having missed it). There should have been a better light on the background for separation or a hair light also skimming down the back of the wall.

The white blouse I like - it gives it a more business look and less glamour photography. It makes her look a little more official. She has two other outfits I photographed her in, so I will probably upload some more most likely Sunday evening. She appears a little tight or nervous, but she claimed she was actually quite relaxed? She is actually quite young! Perhaps she will look more at ease in some other shots. Her hair I cautioned her about, and even asked her if I could come and move it back a little since she attempted to, but didn't get it very well. But believe it or not, it is actually back a lot more than it originally was! I was very much aware of her hair being in her face!!! Thanks again, Frank.

Best Regards,
Tom

trc Loc: Logan, OH

Don,

Thanks for your critique. Please see my reply to Frank about the halo. Thanks again.

Best Regards,
Tom

trc Loc: Logan, OH

Bob,

Thank you for taking a look and noticing things in the images as others have done. Much appreciated.

Best Regards,
Tom

trc Loc: Logan, OH

Magneto,

I can appreciate what you said about the crop as Frank also indicated. I am very aware of the hand difficulty in photos, and generally try to avoid them. However, in this shot, I think it has it's place and like it since it almost gives a manly or authoritative vibe to the picture, as well as the elbow toward the camera, which I feel is great for the business aspect, or look/feel, if she uses it as a business card image, as well as being a model! I hope you understand what I am getting at. Thanks for taking the time to look and make your valued comments.

Best Regards,
Tom

trc Loc: Logan, OH

Hey Erich,

Last, but not least! Thanks very much for your comments. I, too, like the close-up shot better, and feel her eyes are looking right into my soul - direct, forward, strong, and with purpose.

I think the tighter crop is a very strong image, and it shows some attitude and that she is not a wimpy female model! I think it is a great shot depending on who the potential employee might be. Thanks again, Erich.

Best Regards,
Tom