Lucero hair/makeup artist seeking c/c.

A shoot today with a friend of mine. Goal was to capture the work she can produce. I just feel that something is missing from these images and would like to hear the great people of POTN thoughts.

First off let me state I am not a person who would be part of the makeup artist's target audience so consider that when you weigh my recommendations.

To me the photographs are too perfect. Your photography is supposed to showcase the artist's abilities, but to me it appears that your methods of lighting and post processing have covered all faults that may exist with the makeup. It appears your lighting is two softboxes (?) that are providing light evenly. The model appears to have great skin and the makeup makes it even look better. I would have liked to see these images made with lighting that is a little less defused.

If the lack of detail is not due to the lighting try bringing back a little more of the skin faults of the model in your processing. In my opinion (for what it is worth) adding a touch more realism to the image would make it better. I guess what I am trying to say is, I don't know if I am seeing the makeup artist's work or yours?

And I even tried to keep the edits as light as possible. Great feedback though, thank you. Two softboxes and a hair light.

Instantly drawn to the top of her head which is overly dary and just blends in to the background.

I'm no lighting expert but it looks as if the light ing is too low down and no evidence of hair light.

Having two equal sources (as you have) produces flat light, meaning there just isn't any shadow areas, without shadow you have no detail and no modeling of the face to give it depth and form.

butterfly lighting would probably give better results. It would also pretty much eliminate the shadows cast by the arms near the face.

i was going to mention something else but the coffee hasn't kicked in yet. ugh.

Are you shooting in RAW and using LR...you have inconsistent white balance...check your RGB numbers.
Additionally, the nose glares are distraction...work on your lighting.

Thanks for the feedback. I keep losing the battle with a hair light. I either have over powered or not enough.

I didn't like the shadows caused by arm. And I was afraid the lighting would end up to flat. Was really trying to capture the detail of her eyes. Tried other set-ups, they all had to many shadows and not enough detail on the makeup. We both ended up liking this set-up. I'll have to try some more set-ups with her the next time. Thanks for the feedback.

Softbox camera right. One light hitting the background.

see how her nose has a shadow? that's where you want to go.

depth.

Yes! It as more depth!