OK, might open a car of worms here, but let's have a go here.
Would you be pleased with any of these pictures as your own portrait if you were the model? I guess not from a photographical point of view.
However they have value from a learning point of view:
- #1: crop doesn't suit her hair and there is that little stray; would love to have softer shadows (given the number of strobes)
- #2: lovely pose, better lights, too many stray hairs
- #3: very harsh light
- #4: lighting on the face is better, but I don't think the pose does her justice
Keep going at it, play around, make variations, keep notes and there will be improvement along the way.
Under the best circumstances, there is a separate hair stylist and MUA for the shoot. I actually enjoy shooting with them along side so that they can focus on wardrobe/hair/and makeup issues such as stray hairs, and I can focus on the creative side. When shooting on my own, I spend a few minutes even before I adjust lights on primping clothes, hair, and makeup with the model. Also remember that with 3 models, our MUA also had her hands full the entire time we were shooting.
Ultimately though, the photographer is really the one responsible for the results and it up to us to take care of the details.
-Scott
Shoot Details:
The lighting setup was was 1 or 2 AB800s, a large or small Photoflex softbox on the main light, and a Vagabond for non studio shots. The shoot was at Octane Photographics in Ferndale Michigan, and Brandalyn Fulton provided MUA services.
sspellman wrote:
Also remember that with 3 models, our MUA also had her hands full the entire time we were shooting.
Ultimately though, the photographer is really the one responsible for the results and it up to us to take care of the details.
haha, yea she certainly had her work cut-out for her. I do think that the makeup looks great though. I haven't had to do any Photoshop "touchups" so far, which definitely saves me some time/work.
I didnt even notice the stray hairs while shooting - now I know for next time!
barnesquared wrote:
this is my favorite shot. she looks completely comfortable, and the way she's posed makes her look really innocent and sweet.
i dont really see what you fixed... but i still like it anyway. ha
Thanks Barron, glad you like it.
I cloned out a vertical seam in the metal which appeared to be coming out of the top of her head. I uploaded it with the same name as the original, so its been overwritten (hence why you dont see the original).
Good job indeed.