Natural Light w/OCF

Still working with my only willing model; daughter...well the dogs are willing too but don't like to stand around for 15-min while I fiddle with my settings. This shot taken with circular diffusing disk to block the direct sunlight, my 430 in a tripod camera left, using my 55-250 with a CPL. Your input is appreciated to allow me to get better at proper light, composition and overall photo quality.

Exposure Time 1/250
F Number 5
ISO Speed Ratings 100
Flash Flash fired, compulsory flash mode
Focal Length 131
White Balance Auto white balance
Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 60D

Rocky, your image is soft...don't know why.

Yes seems a tad bit soft for f/5. The sun is coming over the top right side of her head is a bit distracting. I know your daughter's probably not a prof model, but talk her into a more natural smile or pose. Otherwise good headshot - love green backgrounds they work well in portraits IMO

Sometimes soft is good, so well done.

David

Looks like she is trying to stiffle a smile...

She looks 'cool'. Trees look warm. I am no expert, as I am trying to learn this too. I have used CTO gels to some level of success, you may be able to balance the kelvin. Take control of your WB - get it off of auto...

Also, she looks flat (lighting - sorry dad!). You said that the flash was cam left, and I believe you as evidenced my the catchlights in her eyes... Remember, with OCF, you are not looking to light someone or something, you are looking to create shadows.

On the plus side, you have a lovely model who seems to be okay for letting dad shoot her... Keep practising!

apixelintime wrote in post #12878189
Looks like she is trying to stiffle a smile...

She looks 'cool'. Trees look warm. I am no expert, as I am trying to learn this too. I have used CTO gels to some level of success, you may be able to balance the kelvin. Take control of your WB - get it off of auto...

Also, she looks flat (lighting - sorry dad!). You said that the flash was cam left, and I believe you as evidenced my the catchlights in her eyes... Remember, with OCF, you are not looking to light someone or something, you are looking to create shadows.

On the plus side, you have a lovely model who seems to be okay for letting dad shoot her... Keep practising!

Thank you for your comments; at age 12 I was not too worried about her specific facial expression, she does however love to watch Americas Next Top Model 
I didn’t spend too much effort in PP with this one; tonight I will look at adding some sharpening and check the WB in CS4.

I definitely think with just a little sharpening and maybe just adjusting the WB to make it warmer (if you shot in raw, otherwise just a little PP), and you have a good shot, IMO I commend you for trying hard to learn those flashes! I am still so daunted by lighting it's ridiculous.

I would expect your lens was wide open for this one - can you get it up to say f8.0? That would help the softness I'll bet.

Agree, she's a bit cool. Excellent suggestion to take control of the white balance. If nothing else you will get consistency.

12 huh? You've got your work cut out for you.

image is a bit soft as stated also her pose is akward... have her stick her chin out next time to avoid the double chin thing...

never tuck in the chin always extend your chin in photos
tucking always makes people look fat
overall i like it though