First Shots - Advice Appreciated (2 photos)

[JumpJtfp]

I've been looking around for awhile and have seen some amazing shots by others.

I feel I'm finally ready for some critique and advice. Tell me what you think, what I did right, what I should do to improve them.

Thank you.

[ajbalazic]

Just a couple of thoughts. First shot is a little overexposed, and I prefer to see shots like these with both eyes showing (just a glimpse of her left eye would be good). Great pose though- I think her expression is good. Second shot is nice- again, a little bit over exposed, but not too bad. I love the way her hair is framing her face and her pose and expression is fabulous- sultry.
I'm sure you'll get more advice from others who's expertice is in this field. Nice work.

Maybe post some info about how the shot was set-up, including lighting, camera/lens, and exif- this often helps with the feedback.

[JumpJtfp]

Thanks for the feedback, ajbalazic.

I was unaware that using "Save for Web" removes all the exif data before I posted these. I'll have to remember that for next time.

Both were shot using a Canon 20D and the 50mm f/1.8
Shutter speed was 1/80 for both at ISO 100
The first was shot at f/4 and the second was at f/1.8
Both were initially shot in RAW and processed using Pixmantec's Raw Essentials where I adjusted shadows, highlight shadows, saturation, and color corrected to 3700.
I used 3 studio lights. 2 positioned behind the camera and one to the left of the subject.

I have a tendency to want to overexpose for some reason and go for a high-contrast result.

I've been shooting for about a year now but just recently have been getting serious about it and this was my first attempt at portrait-style photography.

[ajbalazic]

I've been looking at these shots again and again- I'm beginning to like the high key in the first shot. That's photography for you- it's like seeing a new model car and thinking "they got it all wrong" only to find yourself growing to love it.