Hi all, here are a few shots from a studio session today. C&C would be very helpful. I got a lot of insight from the last time I posted images and asked for comments. If you can, a comment on my online portfolio would also be helpful.

Portfolio
http://digitalpanoramic.com

Studio shots
1

Hi,

My Comments below are offered in a friendly tone of voice and with the sole intent to help you. They are not criticisms of you, your model, your talent or skill.

Some Quick Simple Suggestions (based on seeing your images):

1. Show the hands and the fingers

2. Show the neck (avoid a "head on shoulders" POV or look)

3. Avoid the "jacket over shoulder" pose

4. IF the helmet is important (e.g. if you are trying to sell them), show more of the helmet. IF the eyes (or makeup) are the subject, why have on a helmet?

I hope these comments help you.

I like the helmet shot.

I really like the compositions of both 2 and 3. And for once, I disagree w/Steady. I think the helmet is great. It frames her eyes beautifully.

Steady, I never thought I would ever disagree with something you said, but the helmet shot is great IMHO.

The helmet shot is attractive. The helmet itself makes a nice frame for the face.

In #1, I get the impression of the far breast being much larger than the nearer one. An illusion of some sort I suppose, but a strong and immediate impression.
In #2, I like the profile and the black-on-black treatment. Well done. The only thing that puzzles me a bit it the light levels. The hair on our left is bright, the arm on that side dark. The far arm is bright. Odd, but not a huge impression - only a minor thought after enjoying the photo.

First, thanks for all the comments; I find all of them helpful and generous. I work with the young woman at an ad agency and we have Kawasaki motorcycles as one of our clients. She is not only a writer on the account but also a competitive motorcycle rider and instructor. She wanted a few shots for her blog about her cycling experiences and something a little on the softer side. After all in politically correct terms she is very attractive.

Did look at the portfolio and noticed something quite familiar. I too worked in TV as both a cameraman and an art director in CA. And became quite accustomed to TV lighting. As I progressed into photography, noticed how much people liked photos that had TV lighting. I have also been in advertising for lots of years and realized everyone watches TV and the concept of "as seen on TV" definitely has impact. Your photos and lighting definitely have the look. Have you noticed how people seem to really like your photos? Ever wondered why. As seen on TV. The broad lighting. Works every time. I spent years not knowing why the photos were well liked, but finally figured out where the influence came from. So you have a special gift from your experience. Fun isn't it.

Did look at the portfolio and noticed something quite familiar. I too worked in TV as both a cameraman and an art director in CA. And became quite accustomed to TV lighting. As I progressed into photography, noticed how much people liked TV lighting. I have also been in advertising for lots of years and realized everyone watches TV and the concept of "as seen on TV" definitely has impact. Your photos and lighting definitely have the look. Have you noticed how people seem to really like your photos? As seen on TV. The broad lighting. The camera angles. One can almost see the roll through on these stills. I can feel the dolly on number 2 as she turns to face the camera and the camera comes to her and the two meet and pause for a moment before the quick fade to camera two. Everyone wants to be a star, celeb or personality. Making them so with photography is a real talent.

So, you have a special gift from your experience. Fun isn't it.

Ooops. How did that happen. Must be too late. 4AM comes early.

Ravitej,
I want to thank you for you very kind, generous and insightful comments. This is some of the best praise I have ever received and I am very grateful. I think I know what you mean. I guess I have been doing that for years but didn’t think about it. That is just the way I learned to light and shoot.

And learned well. Now that you know the secret to your talent, what will you do? How will you expand yourself?

The new Canon 5DII has video. I am so excited about the possibilities.