First shot at off-camera lighting

Finally got my gf to agree to do some modeling while I tried my hand at some off-camera flash. Not sure which I like better but any C&C's are more than welcome.

Like the composition. For me the B&W version is better but I think your light source is too low. The shadows on her face will look more natural if you have the light higher than her face.... Unless you were going for the monster lighting look and then it is fine.

Thanks Cuypers. Definitely not going for the "monster lighting" look but I see what you mean. I'll try again with a higher placement. It's just kinda hard getting a steep angle using the Apollo softbox since the movement is somewhat limited. I'll figure something out.

Watch the shadow on her nose change as you move the light. Humans are accustomed to seeing light from above with shadows moving downward. Studio lighting is a lot of fun ( if you find a willing subject) so go crazy trying different patterns out. Get some cheap white foam board to use as fill.

I'll definitely give some other angles a shot. I do have a reflector and tried to use it for some bounce but A) didn't have anyway to hold it and B) didn't really have enough room. I should be getting another flash for Xmas so I'll have to experiment with that and some ratios as well. And little does she know but my gf will be the "willing subject"

I agree, the B&W is better. I'd personally try lighting from the opposite side, so that her hair is somewhat lit as well. I'd also increase the contrast of the B&W in post. Past that, as someone else here said, raise your light up a little bit, and shoot downward--that may look a bit better.

Good job!

I'd place the light on the opposite side as well; and higher. Having the light hit women squarely in the chest makes them look broader than they really are, whilst having the light raking them across the garment slims them.

Thank you both. I'll have to try that angle as well. I think I'm going to have to start paying her It would definitely help with brightness of the chest (which I had to tone down a bit). I'm going to also try a second flash as a hair light as well if Santa brings me one.

A couple of other questions I have...do the eyes look out of focus? They seem a bit out to me but when I zoom they're pretty sharp. Can't understand why unless I need to start using my glasses more often.

And also, does the color one look a little on the "green" side to you. I used a passport for WB and color profiling but to me it made it look a little green or maybe a little too cool. Albeit the corrected WB without profiling was a little too warm. I have my monitor calibrated but I'm just wondering if I'm seeing things that aren't there. Trying to train my eye to color as well.