a couple photos - comments welcome

I just wanted to share a few photos and get some comments from everyone. I'd definitely consider myself an amateur and still have a lot to learn. It was recommended that I read Neil van Niekerk's book "On-Camera Flash" because I shoot inside a lot. So I got this for Christmas and read it already and it was very helpful. I'm trying to incorporate the techniques from the book, mainly exposing for the background and bouncing flash properly. This is just a start, but I already think I've improved over some of my past photos.

Anyway, here are a couple of my son. I'd love to hear comments/critiques. These have no PP other than resizing for the forum.

One of the questions I still have from the book (and maybe someone can help answer) is how to know what to set your FEC to? Neil adjusts his in almost every shot, but how do you know to use positive or negative compensation? Is it just trial and error to see what works best in each shot?

thanks!

Perhaps no one likes them. :/ Even negative comments are welcome. I'd like to know how I can improve. Thanks!

Give it time, some posts get more replies than others, mine is still empty, lol.

Well, the first one looks even, but I am seeing green on his face. The last one, one side if his face is too dark IMO, and looks green as well. There is no light in the eyes

Flash is very tricky, just practice and experiment

JIA333 wrote in post #16575472
Give it time, some posts get more replies than others, mine is still empty, lol.

Well, the first one looks even, but I am seeing green on his face. The last one, one side if his face is too dark IMO, and looks green as well. There is no light in the eyes

Flash is very tricky, just practice and experiment

Thanks for the comments. Green on the face? As in the white balance is off a bit? No sure what you mean or how to improve that. Maybe I'm not noticing it.

In the second photo, yeah I though the one side was a bit dark. I do have to work on getting light to the eyes.

Are you calibrated?

I see a green cast, from the hairline to the jaw.

JIA333 wrote in post #16575982
Are you calibrated?

I see a green cast, from the hairline to the jaw.

No, not calibrated.

1-light quality looks great. a good balance between ambient + flash. I don't see any color balance issue or green cast. I'd say in terms of color it's easily within the bounds of artistic license.
2-you're shooting wide and bouncing straight up, leading to light coming down on the subject. This isn't a very flattering light and leaves the eyes underexposed and the forehead hot. When you're this close bounce behind you and off to the side if possible, not straight up.

His green collar and space rockets are maybe introducing a VERY slight reflection onto the skin in pic (1). In photo (2) like Chris stated there aren't any issues with colour or 'green casts' what so ever.