maggiemae Loc: North Carolina

Ok, be gentle lol. Being a photographer, I much prefer being behind the camera and not in front of it. However, I was bored today and I need a decent headshot for work, so I decided to see what I could come up with. I typically shoot outside in natural light but that wasn't an option today so I tried my hand at a sort of studio set up. Shots taken with a Nikon D3300 on a tripod. 50mm 1.8 lens. ISO 200 1/100 f/5.6. Backdrop is a white sheet. I sort of rigged up some lighting. One on camera speed light pointed at a reflector to bounce light. I should have used a second reflector on the opposite side for a bit of fill light but didn't realize this until after the fact. I used self timer set to take a series of shots every 2 seconds. These are the three that came out the best. Any tips would be appreciated. I have my eye on a soft box set up but have to save up some money so for now I am winging it lol. Thanks for looking and any constructive feedback is appreciated.

This shot I think came out the best. The light seems to have fallen more evenly on my face causing less shadow.

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This one I was turned away from the light and I can tell it left some shadow on the right side of my face.

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Ourspolair

Nice catchlights. Classic lighting seems to be working well. I would just suggest that a pose with your head down a little further than #1 and #3 would be more flattering. It would be helpful if you told us what the eventual use of the images would be... professsional card, website or publicity. If for a professional shot, I would suggest less of an open smile - which means that of the three, I prefer #2 for that usage. 45 degree shoulder angle would also help your pose. (BTW, I suck at selfies!)

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

I would vote on number 2.Looks like a more natural pose.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I agree with my esteemed colleague, Stan. His assessment is quite good and to the point.
--Bob

maggiemae Loc: North Carolina

I was mainly playing around, but I work at a bank and do need a headshot for my email. We are very big on customer service and the shot where I had less of a smile looked too severe to me. I tend to try to pull my head back a bit because I have a double chin and I very self conscious of it. Thank you for your incite, I must say it was not an easy task. I probably took 50 shots and these three were the only ones I even considered. Took me a while to get the focus right. Thank you for the tips, I will keep those in mind if I decide to try this again. :)

maggiemae Loc: North Carolina

Thank you for looking Bob! I am always trying to learn and enhance my skills.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Maggiemae, that "always trying to learn" approach will pay huge dividends. I'd have used rewards, but your in the banking business. 8-)

It's best to keep notes on what did work and especially what didn't work. You're on the right path.
--Bob

anotherview Loc: California

Keep at it. Studio photography requires different gear and the control of lighting. You could buy an umbrella for very little cash, instead of a softbox. With a simple reflector (even a bed sheet), you can control fill lighting. Then you will want to add a hair light. I'm talking simple stuff.

I strongly suggest you look at studio lighting setups on the Internet. You can become knowledgeable of the basics that way.

A few years ago, I set up a small photography studio in my home. Just applying the basics of flash lighting and using simple gear, I produced some darn nice photographs of youngsters. Since then, I've moved to a smaller space not conducive to studio work. I miss it.

maggiemae Loc: North Carolina

Thank you PixelStan! Seems to be the favorite.

maggiemae Loc: North Carolina

Yes space is the going issue. I took these in my tiny kitchen lol. So I have to set up, take shots, then take everything down. Most of the reason why I mostly shoot outside in natural light.

Lynn 1509 Loc: Northern Illinois

You have done quite well. I will comment on Photo number one. I agree that it would be better if your chin was down a bit. The head tilt I like. Notice how the camera is a bit below eye level. That makes viewers lookup to you. It's makes you stronger and in more control. It can also make you look like an overly controlling mean spirited person. If you have the camera above the eye line it makes people look down on you. You are less important then the viewer. If you wish to be elected to office or be down-home friendly, take the photo at eye level. Then you and viewer are on equal terms and can be friends. Another point you are concerned about is the need for flat lighting. I would suggest that shadows are your friend in portraits. For instance take your #1 photo. The light is coming from the left side of the photo. The left side of your face has good light. Now imagine if the outer portion of the right side of your photo had less light, leaving just a portion of the right hand side of the photo well lit. Can you imagine that your face would appear as more oval shaped and less round. Would that be more flattering? You did well. I just wanted to point out a couple areas where you can add to, or subtract from, the appearance of a person's face. If you can make people look really good, they will pay lots of $$ for your services. Oh ya. I'm older than dirt. Got my Professional Photographers degree for the New York Institute of Photography way back in about 1970. Had to learn to make photographs with 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 lights. I hope this gives you something to think about. Look at my photo. It would have had too dark shadows by old classic ideals. I see today high lighting ratios are selling.

maggiemae Loc: North Carolina

Thank youfor the tips Lynn. I will try to remember to pull my chin down a bit more next time (if there is a next time lol). I really appreciate your response and for sharing your knowledge.

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

I make no claims as been an expert when it comes to studio photography. I have not done that in some time and lazy is the word that best describes my attitude.
I like No. 3 but as has been mentioned the head should be down. Soft shadows on the opposite side of the light does not bother me and they are preferable. It shapes and delineates the facial features.

The skin colors are slightly yellow for my taste but that is easy to fix.

jederick Loc: Northern Utah

I don't know, Maggie, they are all nice to me and think I would go with number two...you're a pretty woman and have an infectious smile in each photo!!