Mr Bob

I really enjoy how well my 85mm 1.2L lens captures the moment.
This model was shot at 1/160, F9 at 100 ISO.
Please share your thoughts and comments.
Bob

(Download)

Apaflo Loc: Anchorage, Alaska

Bob,

That is a very nice portrait! The skin tones are great, the lighting is good, it has character that catches the viewer's attention. Butterfly lighting, with good hair separation, is glamorous. I just really like the picture and have nothing in the slightest to say that isn't positive... about the picture.

But you are saying the extremely nice and expensive 85mm f/1.2L lens is what captured the moment. I cannot see any reason at all to think, given the f/9 aperture used, that the shot would have even slightly different if you had purchased a eBay special no brand Chinese 85mm f/1.8 for $124 and used that. Or any of the Yongnuo, Samyang, Neewer, and various other branded models of 85mm lenses at either f/1.4 or f/1.8 that sell for $99 to $200. Any of them, stopped down to from f/8 to f/11 will look exactly to same!

How about a creative shot that does show off your lens and its ability to capture an image that other lenses can't quite do. Personally I don't think the Canon 85mm f/1.2 can actually do anything distinct from their 85mm f/1.4 or those made by Nikkor. But it is easy to produce images that really are distinct from any of the low cost variety of 85mm lens.

Dziadzi Loc: Wilkes-Barre, PA

I, also would like to see the full potential of that lens. Especially as a comparison to the shot you submitted, Bob.

AnthonyM Loc: Pasadena, CA

This is an excellent image. I think your expert lighting and your restrained and well applied post processing have more to do with its success than the lens in this case. On the other hand I doubt you'd have as good quality base image had you used an El Cheapo 85, even at f9.

Wish I could produce an image like this. With any lens!

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Studio Portrait w/ 85mm lens "...Please share your thoughts..."

Mr. Bob here is an objective critique given with a sincere intent to help you grow professionally...

The good... Paramount lighting... well balanced hair kicker... excellent synergy with this talent...
And yes your choice of focal length is both appropriate and germane here...
The accessory necklace beautifully frames the face and works well in harmony with the narrative...

The not so good... pose dynamic lacks inspirational charm i.e. charisma...
Weak creative direction... this talent isn't emoting with an effective degree of drama...
You've amputated her left hand at the finger...
Eyes sockets are somewhat plagued with deep shadow... a.k.a. you key is a tad too high

Now the bad... Hair styling is a virtual train wreck... What were you thinking?
I would have sent this talent back to prep to have this corrected before allowing her on set...
Hair is totally unacceptable...

Ok, so a picture is worth 1K words thus here is the closest I can come to demonstrating your endeavor here...
The example below is with an agency model, an award winning hair stylist, a wardrobe stylist, a tenured makeup artist... Currently the image is a display piece in a Salon... it's also in the model's book...
In commercial work Mr. Bob the photographer is merely one member of the team, no more or less important than every other team member...

What I'm attempting to share with your Mr. Bob is a compelling need to embrace the entire suite of professional services required to achieve commercial quality imagery... Hair Stylist; Makeup Artist; Wardrobe Stylist; Agency Models and even lighting assistants... I wouldn't bid a commercial assignment without factoring in their billing rates...

Hope this helps or is at least food for thought...
I wish you well on your journey Mr. Bob

(Download)

Apaflo Loc: Anchorage, Alaska

Your critique is not objective, and probably has little benefit to the OP. It is little more than feather preening on your part expressing not universal truths about art but rather your personal preferences. Your picture is nice! It frankly is no better or worse than what the OP produced, just different. The differences are personal preferences, not deadly sins.

Suggesting than an average photo shoot needs the massive support system you described is totally out of touch with reality. It's just personal strutting.

Mr Bob

Group members. Each comment is appreciated. Your opinions are valued by me. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
I did not explain how I came across this model. This was a group shot in a studio where there are several other photographers. Very common scenario for non professionals who would like an opportunity using studio lighting. Your turn comes up and you shoot for 3 minutes. The model is dressed and in this case wearing a wig. Big surprise! The experience was useful and I would spend my 3 minutes differently next time.
No hair stylist or make up stylist. Very little interaction or ability to communicate with the girl. The talent was basically a moving target. The situation was fun and would do it again.

Pierre H.J. Dumais Loc: Mississippi Mills, Ont.

Right on Lloyd and it's a point that should be made much more often on this site.

Mr. Bob:
Thanks for sharing the image. It is very worthwhile.
Shooting it, in the time given you, has no doubt been a valuable and enjoyable experience. Keep having fun.
Pierre

Mr Bob

Thanks for the encouragement.
I have learned volumes by reading comments about my work as well as others.
Let the journey continue.

aammatj Loc: Zebulon, NC / Roscoe, Ill

When I download and look at it, it seems like her eyes are not in focus - just slightly out. At f/1.2 the depth of field is awfully small so focus has to be perfect.

Apaflo Loc: Anchorage, Alaska

The lens can open to f/1.2, but the OP very clearly stated the image was shot at an aperture of f/9. There simply is no DOF problem despite what you imagine.