Head shots

Just lately I decided I wanted to start taking more head shots/portraits because it seems to me to be something that is very difficult to do well but the rewards are big when done well. I'm a photo hobbyist not a pro so lots to learn. CC is most welcome.

I like picture one because she looks.....well, a little threatening....so it's kind of fun. The off center crop adds to it.

Picture two, at least for me, is just too close. It's kind of cute but I guess I don't need to see that much detail.

saea501 wrote in post #18281385
I like picture one because she looks.....well, a little threatening....so it's kind of fun. The off center crop adds to it.

Picture two, at least for me, is just too close. It's kind of cute but I guess I don't need to see that much detail.

Thank you saea501, your reasoning for liking image 1 is exactly why I also liked it. Good point about image 2. I guess the very close crop doesn't bother me because the young lad is known to me, but I see your point.

Nice shots. I would maybe add a little more light on the girls face. Maybe with a reflector or have her turn a bit to her right so the light is coming across her face instead of just on her right temple.

(Note - I'm just learning as well, so take my suggestions as you wish.)

Thanks for sharing,
cmh

I think a gold reflector to camera right into the young ladies face in #1 would have really opened up the shadows and brought more warm tones to the image. I love the messiness of he hair and her expression is priceless.
As for #2, I think you personal knowledge of the child helps you see things others, including myself don't see. I would put #1 as a sale piece even if they did not know the young lady, the second is just a cute picture of a baby eating.

Thank you smh512 and sirquack for the helpful comments, much appreciated.