First Time with Monolight and Softbox

First time utilizing a monolight and softbox (20x28) with foam board reflector. Looking for comments, not relative to composition but lighting of the subject. Do you think a background or hair light light is required ?

Thanks in advance!

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Nice first shots! Yeah, I'd probably use a hair/separation light for the dark hair/dark background. A lighter color background wouldn't have needed it, but for the dark blue you probably do.

Thanks for the input, I just used a $7 sheet from Walmart for the time being. I was already leaning towards another monolight anways, probably pick up the "funnel" like reflector to control the light on the background as well.

I think the funnel you're referring to is a snoot. They work pretty well. Putting anything between your subject and the light will help control the light when lighting the background. I have a set of bi-fold doors that I put between my subject and the background light(s) sometimes to make sure the light doesn't go on the subject where I don't want it. I've still got a lot to learn on studio lighting, so I've only really used snoots as a hair light or with gels to get a colored area behind the subject for portraits.

I focused on his eyes, do they seem somewhat soft ?

while you are at walmart, pick up a 26 cent sheet of black craft foam. Roll it into a tube, rubber band it in place and there is your snoot.

Judging from my iPhone screen (I'm at work), lighting looks good and soft.

Thanks for the responses, I meant to refer to his eyes. If they seem slightly out of focus (soft).

Nice first attempt and first shots. You're off to a good start.