Even Lighting for Headshots - HELP

[jegoldston]

I need help w/ fill light. I took the photo below with only natural light and one reflector (white foam board). But the left side is still hosting shadows as well as under each eye. I NEED SUPER EVEN LIGHTING but I can't seem to master the darn thing.

Granted, I have not tried a fill flash...I'm nervous of non-continuous lighting :-O , but I fear that I will have to venture there.
I want my headshots to be completely even in their lighting with no hint of shadows on the face. This is what I need for actor headshots. My confidence level is waning.
Interior shots have good lighting w/ my softboxes, but the atmosphere is dull for the clients and for the photos.
Suggestions,... imperatives... welcome! :-)

[RexK_Cozumel]

Why would you want completely even lighting? It will flatten the image and give it a lot less depth and drama. I am not saying that you want real harsh shadows or anything like that but to have no shadows seems odd to me. If you want completely even lighting however you can always over power the natural lighting with strobes if your strobes are strong enough.

[shutterbug_wannabe]

I don't see any harsh shadows in the picture above, in fact I think it is a nice head shot. Possibly throwing a little more light with a reflector, but otherwise good job.

[WooD]

I think it looks great just the way it is.

Too much light is worst than not enough IMHO.

[kencaleno]

I just lightened the eyes and gave the skin texture: Regards, Ken

[Jim Poor]

You could always take your soft boxes on location. You could also use a speedlight with an umbrella.

All that said, you don't really want to completely eliminate shadows, they give depth.

[sk66]

It looks to me like the sun was slightly behind her or at least HARD left. I think if it were further front it would have helped some, but would have been harsher and might cause her to quint more. If it were further behind her it would have given more of a backlight rimlight effect. It would have cast more shadows, but that can be fixed with a couple of reflectors/ fill light.

The lighting effect you're talking about is something more towards what is called "paramount lighting". To get that effect, sunlight more behind her, and fill high with reflector low, or 2 reflectors, 1 high and 1 low.

[jegoldston]

thank you all for the help - i greatly appreciate all of your help and points of view very much