Headshot for Model Assignment Call

[vjhoward]

My daughter is a professional model and asked me to do a new headshot for a casting call she got for a sporting goods advertisement. Below is the outcome for the shot we used as the primary headshot. The other 5 semi finalist shots can be seen on my Flickr photostream.

I am really new to photography and just getting into using strobes. I am having a total blast with photography, but really need to learn. Please provide feedback on lighting setup, model prep, post processing, camera settings, etc.

Basic light setup: 1 Nikon SB 600 bounced off a 43" satin umbrella set 45 degrees to right and up, and 3 feet from model; 42" silver reflector to left and slightly forward of model; another Nikon SB 600 with homemade paper snoot used for hairlight, stopped down 1 stop and held by wife (also holding reflector). All lighting controlled using Commander mode on Nikon D300S

EXIF:
Camera: Nikon D300S
Lens: VF 18-200mm F3.5/5.6G
Focal Length: 60mm
Aperature: F/9
Shutter Speed: 1/60s
ISO: 320
Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority

Headshot_20100514_074_8x10 on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

[fuscom]

I think overall this is a great series. The only suggestion I would make is to see what you can do to bring out the deep, dark richness of her brown eyes. Not sure if you do this with lighting or in post or a combination, but I'd like to see more of a separation between the pupil and iris. Great job on the lighting and pose, otherwise.

[vjhoward]

Thanks. It was a fun shoot. It is really hard to capture her brown eyes because her pupils open so wide. Actually, this is what sparked me to get my first Speedlight. It is impossible to take a picture of her with an on-camera flash and not get red-eye. I got no red-eye with the Speedlight, plus could bounce or diffuse the light. Guess I will get her outside and see if I can get some good shots of her brown eyes...

[fuscom]

Maybe shooting her with a light colored (or white) backdrop might help? Of course, let me re-emphasize that I think you did a great job with the photo here. I'm just addressing the pupil / iris separation and red eye issue at this point.

[vjhoward]

Final note: I gave this headshot (plus one other) to her agent on Saturday. Her portfolio was updated and she got a call on Monday morning for an advertising shoot on Tuesday morning. So, I guess it was good enough to help her get the call, which is what counts in her world.

I am going to keep learning and improving. Will definitely get her out for some lifestyle shots and shots with other backgrounds.

Thanks for comments and feedback.