billnourse first my sincere appreciation for your decades of service in law enforcement... one of the most challenging fields and so vital to our society...
As to your thoughts on Paramount (butterfly) illumination? "...Further explanation would be helpful..."
I would like to be proactive here on your and the cosmetology students behalf...
My credentials? I hold a Cosmetology license in Makeup Artistry... and have decades of experience as a bridal makeup artist. Please accept my apologies for posting in your thread however only by showing you actual imagery would it be possible for you to truly appreciate the merits of paramount illumination.
I've selected a series from my commercial makeup artist's portfolio which showcase nail decor. In these examples paramount illumination using a 22" beauty dish with grid and sock was used. So you can grasp the transformation makeup can have on an individual I'm including (first image) the talent without makeup (a clean face) as she arrived on set. btw, in the first image no reflector below her face was used to eliminate shadows in the eye sockets... However in the other images a 30x40" foam core reflector was placed at breast height just out of frame. You can see this reflector in the catch lights in her eyes...
This lighting modifier is readily available for Flashpoint 600 strobes...
Here is a very cost effective example...
https://www.amazon.com/Godox-Reflector-Honeycomb-Monolight-QT600IIM/dp/B01MDQPXCL If that is beyond your budget then a reflected silver umbrella of similar diameter will do (typically under $20 ~ $30).
Hope this helps or is at least food for thought...
It is only provided as a learning tool not in anyway to be taken as a critique on your efforts..
btw, I will be on assignment for the next several days so forgive me if I don't respond to queries...
All the best on your journey billnourse
.
billnourse first my sincere appreciation for your ... (