Photographer as model

Need some input.... a photographer contacted me today to do her portraits... so it was a little unnerving... she knew all my tricks.... and wants good shots for a large mural.

Need some advice on these test shots... our actual shoot is next week.... but I want to go in with my guns loaded so to speak... I don't want to mess this shoot up at all...

Here is the link for the three images (to save bandwidth here)... any comments would be appreciated. Looking mainly for technical advice... and yes, I know I blew out the hair highlights in the first two... that's a given.....

Thanks in advance....

http://www.shoreshotph​oto.com/shannontests.h​tm

Well, you mentioned about the blown parts...I also don't like the hand. It just doesn't look natural, or feminine.
The third one is the best, but it's too mottled in my opinion to be used for a mural.

The first set is too dark on her face. I like the concept of the last shot, but the shadows from the window mullions across her face are distracting. Question for the model: how much of her does she want in the picture? The first image is mostly of her. The final image has more background.

Greg

I really think that last image is super...

In the last picture, I can see a hint of her VERY blue eyes. I always like to find the highlights of a person and try and find a way to bring that out. I love the potential of the third, but would look for a way to bring out her eyes.

Just hate those shadows from the window. Gotta find picture windows (one big pane). That last shot looks very nice, though.

wow, talk about over blown hair.

Anyway just keep in mind that if another photographer is asking you to do portrait for him/her its usually he/she trusts your "eye".

I recently did engagement pix for a photographer that shoots for SI and ESPN.

You are wanted for a reason.

Thanks for the comments/suggestions..​. yeah, Itotally blew out the hair... at least the shooting conditions will be similar (same setting) so I should be able to correct that part, and add a little more fill to lighten her face at the same time.

The window was an interesting one.... and more the reason for this post.... I have several versions of it, but the one with the shadows on her sort of intrigued me... if they are too distracting from the overall composition, I suppose we could use a different window. I was on the fence with this shot. (wish we did have a picture window!) I do appreciate all of your comments; thank you.

One last question.... and this may sound novice... the shot with the blown out hair; checked the exif and it was done with ISO 100, Exposure 1/250 85mm. I need a shallow DOF because the background is too cluttered and really was trying to avoid background "noise" in the image. Considering I was already shooting at the max sync speed.... which would you recommend:

1. Stopping down to f/4?
2. Faster speed and high-speed sync the flashes?
3. Combination of both?
4. Forget flashes and go strictly with reflectors and higher speed at f/1.8?

The sun is directly shining down through a large open window... outdoors, I don't have this issue, for some reason, indoors, I blew the hair totally... and wasn't expecting it. She wants this natural type look in her home, so switching locations is not an option.

Again, any advice is always appreciated.

Number 3 is the successful shot - although I can't equate a portrait with a mural.....