I wasn't going to post anything, but I really do want to get better. I saw another headshot post and it made me think. (Not picking on the other post at all!) but the photog used 4 strobes and a Beauty dish. It made me wonder do we overthink/overdo lighting sometimes? I tried multiple scenarios with another photog before this shoot, and in the end I went with a bounced Octi and a reflector. Did I UNDER do it here? C&C welcome...
I think you did very well with the best combination of minimal equipment you could use. The only additional thing you might consider is a hairlight. When I go lightly equipped, I use a speedlight fitted with a Honl grid for the hairlight.
To be clear, I HAVE more lights, but after playing around with different set ups and combos for almost 2 hours, I just LIKED the simple set up used the best. Now I am thinking I went too simple, but still am fairly pleased overall...
Nice set of shots, and I think you did well. Here are some nits that I noticed.
Comparison of #1 & #2.
#1 includes the near shoulder - looks better.
#2 has a large area of skin from her shoulder - it needs the shoulder in the shot to define and complete it.
#1 has the eyes off center, - slightly better.
Skin colour is different in these two shots. Different lighting?
#1 has better hair lighting.
Your main light might be a little too low. The catchlights in her eyes are lined up with the pupils. I say might be low, because higher may introduce more shadowing on her brow from the hair, viewer's left.
