Is this a good headshot?

[serissolutions]

I finally get to work with professional models. I explained to them that I am an amatuer and they are ok with that.

They want a "headshot" to submit to modeling agencies and to filmmakers.

I dont know how to do a headshot. Would this qualify as one?

PLEASE NOTE: The model was my very nice wife just sitting in for me. Please ignore the lack of nice hair (hehehehe)

THIS IS NOT THE ACTUAL MODEL. THIS IS JUST AN ATTEMPT AT A HEADSHOT

Please critique the technique!

http://www.serissolutions.com/temp/lightTest.jpg

[mbze430]

composition is fine. however, as the title is suggesting..."Head shot".

Model agency wants a detail shot of the head when they are reviewing throught portfolios. Your job is to capture all the details of the model's head.

It would show all the feature of the head, and no hands :)

[serissolutions]

Ah!
Should I get closer too and eliminate more of the torso?
Also, Is softening ok?

[berrylish]

does your wife ever get tired of modeling for you? hehehe

[serissolutions]

Yes she does!!! She was washing dishes when I called her to the basement. She did it because she is trying to be supportive. Shes so nice. If only she would let me show nudes of her then she would be the perfect wife!! Just kiddin.. hehehehe

[mbze430]

Torso is fine. the whole composition from your view is excellent. But if this was to go in to someone's portfolio, as a primary, it would need to lose those hands.

Alot of the hollywood star's portfolio of head shots are very flat lighting, this is because casting directors wants to see the whole face in full details.

I usually talk to my model first regarding if they are looking for a primary b+w, or just plain head shots. If they are looking for the primary, its their ticket in to projects, and it has to be done "perfect".

[serissolutions]

Any comments on the lighting?

[cyclone]

I think (can't tell for sure) that your main light is too far off to the side. You are getting no lighting on the far side of her face. Look at DennyKyser's Belinda post a few below this one. Look at the lighting on her face. Do you see the triangle patch of light on the far side, bounded by a small shadow from her nose? This is what you should be shooting for (maybe not as pronounced, depending on what effect you are trying to achieve). I'm not sure where your lights are right now. I see two reflections in her eyes. Start by putting the main light 45 degrees to one side. Put your fill light slightly above your camera, on the opposite side of the camera as your main light. Adjust your heights so you get that patch of light. Now, you want maybe a 2:1 ratio for main to fill light for color film (I would start here for digital as well). That might mean one stop less for your fill. Try to meter with just the main, and then with just the fill, to set your ratio. Then you can meter the shot with both on (since you are shooting continuous lighting).

You are working very hard at this. I might suggest taking a class. A good long distance class is the New York Institute of Photography (NYIP). Do a search in this forum on NYIP. There are a few people on the forum taking the course. It's very good at teaching all the basics plus more.

One more thought. Can we see your wife smile sometime? Keep up the good work.

Cyclone