cello player

Like to get feedback on these shots - esp in lighting and PP

This is a sample, to get the sense of lighting that I used in different situations.
You can see the full set here if you like to comment further

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Overall you did a nice job. The client in the photos should be happy with the outcome of these. The only issues I can see is on #3 the shadow in the middle of his face is a little weird and the last shot of him outdoors the lighting on his face is a little harsh, but not bad.

Good job on these. I don't prefer the portrait with dual side-lighting, but understand that some will like that look. The only one that I can single out for criticism is the meadow shot. You shot it on a very bright day with insufficient supplemental lighting. So his right side (camera left) is blown out. Also, straighten the horizon. It's possible that the setting had a gentle slope. But it looks crooked.

The cello in the last picture looks to be in danger.

I think they would have been much improved if your subject would have shaved or grown a beard...but he looks pretty scruffy here. The reflection on the cello in the first image is quite distracting. I like the pose of #3 better than #2, but like the lighting in #2 and not in #3. #4 is the best of the bunch in my opinion, but may be too traditional for some folks. The lighting in #5 is too harsh, and the pose seems awkward to me.

As a violin player, I would say that you nailed it right on the head here on every shot! Great work I only wish there was a LITTLE bit more bow rather than having it only appear in the first image, but heck I can live without that :P Love them!

I love doing musician photos!

1) is good pretty spot on frame/pose. The light gloss off the cello bothers me. Top right corner?
2) no. I wouldn't put an instrument or anything for that matter, pointing at the face/head like that. It's one of the basic rules for posing musicians. His face needs to be cleaned up hair wise.
3) could work for a small headshot for bio work or whatever, but would probably need to be b+w for that sort of lighting. I like the crop.
4) nice work.
5) not enough strobe light for outdoors. detail- where is his end pin? the end pin is usually expected to be extended and supporting the cello from the bottom. IMO, a cello player would notice this and assume he has really strong thigh muscles. Not natural at all. the hard things with musician portraits is they have to be natural, even if you're working with a long tube of metal, a giant piece of old wood, or a small dinky clarinet. Looks like a fun portrait, but I wouldn't do it because I like to either crop close to top half for musician photos, or they have to show full post like the 1st picture. The cello needs to rest on the ground, and I like to have the person look well grounded as well. (alexander techinque). technically, the horizon is not lined up as well

Kinda like this example of old Macy's Ad.

IMAGE LINK: http://s46.photobucket​.com …59_n_zps4bd33af​b.jpg.html

I like these. I'm not particularly a fan of the last 2 but overall I think he will be happy with them. I would try to smooth his skin a bit more especially on the 2nd. But again, it's a nice job all of them.

Thanks everyone, great constructive feedback.

Here are a couple more that I like but, again, love to get a critical eye on

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Love the last 2