Formal portraits, 2 light setup, first attempts

Optically-triggered slave flash units shooting into silver umbrellas. Another flash behind the subject to illuminate the background. I set up the lights, Becky did the shooting.

I'm fairly pleased with how these turned out, but would appreciate any observations, suggestions.

I like the second one the best, nice job!

Thanks, DRBair!

The subject's husband entered her in a beauty pageant, and needed a "snapshot" to send in with the application. We thought it best to use a waist-up shot to give some idea of her figure, and the first shot is the result of that.

From the application and the photo, she was selected to represent her city, and was invited to compete in the pageant for the state title. Now they wanted a "headshot" to use for the official program, so #2 was for that purpose.

I like the 2nd shot best as well.

Couple of comments -- the background in the 1st shot has a crease/droops and is distracting - you might want to fix that in PP; in the 1st shot it also looks like the eyes aren't quite in focus.

also, I think that if you coudl add a hair light it would make it more of a glam shot.

I like the second one better than the first, but only because of that wrinkle in the background of #1.
I may be wrong, but the way I read the lighting it seems to be the same in both shots. The lighting is good - no doubt about that, and you can't argue with success.

However, I would respectfully suggest that the lighting is too balanced. My personal preference is for the lighting to be a combination of modeling light off to one side and high combined with just enough flat fill light from the camera axis to soften the shadows. The result should give a more 3-dimensional look and give more depth to the facial contours.

However, in these two shots, the model is so charming that no one is going to quibble about the lighting!

I would also suggest removing some of the many catch lights, leaving just one in each eye. I am also wondering if you had noticed the significant color balance difference between the two shots. #1 skin tones are consierably more red than in the lower shot.

Great shots! I do like the 2nd one a lot. It is clear and so fun.

Thank you, TechJ, Bob & Suzie!

Bob, you are nearly correct about the lighting being the same for both shots. In the second image, we put a reflector in front of her at waist level. I think it did a good job of filling the shadows between her nose and cheeks. You are absolutely correct about her charm! She has a terrific natural smile and Becky certainly captured that well.

As for the color balance, the second one is off because we forgot to correct it (oops).

I guess our next investment will be some proper backgrounds, and perhaps another strobe for a hair light.

I appreciate everyone's input!

I would look closelyat the models position in both but particularly the first the neck looks strained.

If you had a 3rd light her hair would look great backlit with a snoot IMO

Good work

I am still catching up, Curtis, so pardon my late reply.

These are both very nice but I agree that the wrinkle in the background is bothersome... I bet you could clone it out. #2 is awesome.

I like the even lighting (as well as uneven) as I think it plays off her fair coloring well.
Nice job!

I appreciate the bump anytime, Maureen!

Yep, it's time to spring for a proper roll of background material and the hardware to hang it properly. Thanks for the kind words. I hope Skip is doing well.