High key headshot

[i speak in math]

How could I improve this shot? I am mostly looking for lighting suggestions. Is there anything that bugs you in the shot, overall?

From Strobist

Nov 22, 2009
Model: PENTAX K20D
ISO: 200
Exposure: 1/60 sec
Aperture: f/4
Focal Length: 50mm
Flash Used: Vivitar 2800-d on full power through 42in umbrella straight on. Lumopro lp120 on full power on background. White poster board reflector just below camera

[zona5101]

great shot - classic butterfly lighting. Even though low res I can see detail in the highlights. Nothing bugs me. Its a great shot! The only thing I might try is to get the catchlights symetrical in PP.

[WooD]

Looking good. Nothing bugs me about this shot.

[Blaze Jaffe]

I love this shot! I've been wanting to do something like this, but am lack a model at the moment... Maybe I'll try a self portrait...

PS Did you do any post on this shot?

[cruelphotography]

I quite like it, but if you are using a reflector you should hold it so that it reflects a half moon in the lower part in the eye to :=)

[candleman]

great shot
the only things that bugs me are the amount of space under the chin. (lack thereof)
butterfly/clamshell usually casts a nice shadow under the chin separating the face out.. i just think it could feel a bit more natural. with more space underneath
much of that beautiful neckline is being lost too.

for these type of headshots i'd normally go portrait orientation.. but for a landscape orientation i might "off centre" her a bit more in the frame..
i just find her face sitting in a awkward place.. its seems to sit between centred and a third.. kindof too much space on the right.

but no.. not really bad.. its a great shot.. i' just throwing things out there.
heres some picky stuff...
i'd also mirror the eye on the right to the left.. her lashes are a bit "mucky" on the left
"maybe" the eye on the right if mirrored over to the left too would clean it up.. and make the eye size and catchlights the same. ( i did one recently and posted it in the "Strobist: how you took it" thread )
but if you want a more natural st than its great as-is.

good work tho.. i like it.

[PomND]

love it but agree about the composition. i recommend moving her to the right more