Need input - might re-shoot - Please help!

[ahickman]

Hey guys,

I had my first shoot with "Jenai" and I was wondering if there was anything you would have done different with this shot. The subject is hosting a show where waterguns are going to be used so it was important to include them. We didn't have much light to work with so that was also a learning experience - but is the picture too flat? Do you think I needed more light? Do you think a square crop would be better to cut out the extra dead space at the bottom? Also, we had the option to use a black backdrop instead, but I was worried his/her hair would get lost in the background. Please let me know what I could have done different to improve the shot, we might be re-shooting soon. Thanks in advance dps!

Much <3,

Angelique

PS: please please PLEASE leave any/all feedback, I am anxious to hear your thoughts!



EXIF:
Camera: Nikon D60
Exposure: 0.017 sec (1/60)
Aperture: f/4.5
Focal Length: 78 mm
Focal Length: 77.7 mm
ISO Speed: 200
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Auto, Fired, Return detected

[tasmo2]

I think if you do reshoot, try posing her with her arms bent upward, gun near her face.... think charlies angels.. kwim?

turned to the side a tad, one gun instead of two. Both hands holding the one gun. Arms bent at the elbows, gun in hands near face, with the barrel of the gun close to her lips. She could be looking at the camera, or blowing into the gun, or even looking at the camera at a side angle winking.... see where Im going?

[ahickman]

Thanks Allison,

We tried a couple but my subject was just a little shy at first. I agree though, maybe add a little more attitude by using different pose. What do you think of the lighting? Is the red too much?

[tasmo2]

Im not great with lighting... at first I leaned towards making everyone too dark.. now I tend to make people too light. LOL! So I think she could be a little lighter.... BUT ya know. ha!

The only thing I would change is the green headband. lol... but thats JMO

[ahickman]

Allison - Thanks, I will pass that along.

Anyone else? I am wondering if I should have more light, or maybe add color to the background?

[RLucas]

It looks to me like you had plenty of light, but it was straight on. If you can get the flash off camera, it will make the light less flat. You could use a black background, but you would need to light the hair to separate it. You could backlight it, or set up a hair light of some sort. Try turning the subject at more of an angle to the camera. Straight on shots are almost always less flattering. You may want to try backing off the saturation a bit. The red top is completely blown out, with no detail left.

I hope this helps!