Need help - first portrait.

Kate is a friend of the family who (foolishly) asked me to do her photos. I shoot sports and some weddings. Portraits aren't my thing. Still, I said yes. Here are a couple of my fav's from the session.

The first one was shot with the 70-200 Mark II lens, using a 40" reflector as the light source.

The second one was shot in harsher lighting conditions. We used a white shoot-through umbrella as a diffuser (casing a shadow on Kate) and then used that 40" reflector to bring some light back onto her face. It was shot with the Zeiss 50 f/1.4 at f/2

I need help / feedback. What say ye?

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She seems tense and very uncomfortable. On the first picture, I would have her turn slightly and compose off center instead of just looking straight at the camera centered.

Before going straight into posing for portraits, should ask her to act goofy or something to get her comfortable in front of the camera. She looks anxious to get it over with

I really like the second one if she would have just smiled for you

Thanks!

Actually, she was very comfortable in front of the camera and responded well (I thought) to posing.

Are these any better?

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I like the second set better, especially the first of that set. The shots in the dress seem to have a differenct color balance than the shots in the black top. She might also be a little underexposed in those shots, as well.

The shots in the black top were lit by reflected cloudy sky light plus off camera flash. The shots in the dress were lit by bright cloudy sky through a diffuser plus a reflector. Oh, and the reflections of the rocks around us. I'm having more issues with color in those shots, that's for sure.

Really like #1 of the second set. That light coming over her shoulder really brings the picture to life, and is nicely balanced by your reflector.
The arm position looks a little un-natural though, but that's a nit-pick...for me that pic is cool.

I'd think some more about your posing. With portraits, a good idea is to get the person on a 45 degree angle to you, and then have them look over their shoulder to you. Front on and especially front on from above are rarely flattering photos.

My favourite of the 4 photos you've added here is definitely the 1st of the second lot, I think because she looks more relaxed & it's the closes to having that not-quite-front-on look. I think I'd like to crop it a bit closer though... Something like this, maybe?

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Yes the 1st pic of the second set is much better. She appears more comfortable too.