First attempts at portraits

[rrdjserv@earthlink.net]

These are my first attempts at portraits and I would like to know if they look professional. The subjects should be ignored but I would like to know about lighting, posing, and what could have made these better. Thanks in advance.
-Rick

http://www.home.earthlink.net/~rrdjserv/people/Deb.jpg

http://www.home.earthlink.net/~rrdjserv/people/Val.jpg

[roanjohn]

That first shot is WOW!!!

Not too crazy about the crazy frame on the 2nd shot........it took a lot away from the actual photo.

Ro1

[cactusclay]

Look up brawd and short lighting techniques. The first pic, I would have turned her head toward the light source and used a reflector on the the right side, which would have put more catch light in her eyes, as well as made it a more flatering pose. I also think that the main light needs to be diffused, as it looks a bit harsh. The second one isn't bad as far as lighting goes, but having her head tipped back creates a wrinkle on her neck and maybe even adds to the ones on her cheeks. That's just my opinion. Perhaps someone else has a different one. Keep at it and you'll get better. Good luck. PS. I miss the spell check.

[rrdjserv@earthlink.net]

Thank you for your responce. I should have mentioned that the first one was taken outside and the second one inside with a flash. That is probably apparent, but thought I'd mention it. From what I've read, lighting and the eyes make up 90% of the photo. I'll keep trying. -Rick