Senior '11: Alana

So we got a little rained out (big surprise from the NW ) so I told her I'd like to still do a few head shots to get her comfortable and likewise.

I realized a few things while doing this but none more important than the importance of a good background even for head shots. I tried to do it the lazy way and tape up a dark blue sheet but there was no getting rid of the wrinkles and made it a hassle to clean up in post. I'll be investing in that ASAP.

The other is that it's hard to shoot at f/1.4 and get that "eyes in focus" shots while the client just got done drinking a large coffee haha. All in all I'm pleased with these and can't wait to get outside to shoot her! Please any and all C&C is appreciated. I need it and I want it Cheers! -Chris-

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Beautiful!!! Did you use some kind of software to keep her pupils that big?? In bright light wouldn't they be small??

Deeners wrote in post #10933917
Beautiful!!! Did you use some kind of software to keep her pupils that big?? In bright light wouldn't they be small??

When using strobes, the pupil doesn't have time to contract.

I hope you have some shots cropped differently. These are tight crops for headshots. Especially with them being horizontal shots.

Deeners wrote in post #10933917
Beautiful!!! Did you use some kind of software to keep her pupils that big?? In bright light wouldn't they be small??

Haha read below, got to it before me and thank you, she's got amazing eyes and a killer smile. I can't wait to shoot her outside pics!

dcarstens wrote in post #10933943
When using strobes, the pupil doesn't have time to contract.

Thanks!

gonzogolf wrote in post #10933958
I hope you have some shots cropped differently. These are tight crops for headshots. Especially with them being horizontal shots.

Meh, I wasn't too worried about that as these were more to get her comfortable in front of the camera and we're going to be doing a full shoot outside when the weather clears up and I'll be able to frame it better. Thanks for the tip though and I will be sure to take wider shots next time!

shot with the 50?

great shots BTW

motostu93 wrote in post #10935299
shot with the 50?

great shots BTW

Thanks! 2 and 4 were with the 50 at f/1.4 but I think I need more practice with it so I'll be doing those shots at 1.6 or 1.8 until I get the hang of it. The rest were shot with my 70-200L. Just when I'm dead set on getting rid of it for the 85Lii it does an amazing job with these. IIRC those were at f/8.

Pretty girl, but a shame about the nose stud...I always hate the overused word "distraction", but to me I always end up looking at the darn thing.

Thanks argyle, I asked if her or her mom would prefer it out but she was set on keeping it in. If the mom asks, I can clone it out easily. I don't mind them but the one I can't stand is the one above the lip a la Marilyn Monroe style.

Very sweet and home girl look about her....niccely lit!

Thanks flo! I haven't seen her in a few years as I dated her sister. It always makes our jobs easier when the subject is beautiful to being with.

argyle wrote in post #10936057
Pretty girl, but a shame about the nose stud...I always hate the overused word "distraction", but to me I always end up looking at the darn thing.

I know I'm old-fashioned, but... same here. It's not even fully defined as a nose stud at first glance... it looks like sensor dust.

Otherwise, these are absolutely wonderful shots.

what kind of background are these?

telomerase wrote in post #10945143
what kind of background are these?

It's a dark blue sheet that was thrown up last second as the wall was reflecting too much of the OCF for my liking. It looked horrible so I took a clone tool and literally painted the whole background smooth into what you see. A background is on my list of things I need to get asap. It was ugly, very ugly. You could see the creases and folds and wrinkles in it.

Here's a shot that was pulled back a bit further than the others.