Lighting Advise

[mikedugganphotography]

Just starting to shoot portraits with a lighting kit and need some advise. In the future I plan on adding a diagram where the lights were set to help. This was shot with a 24x36 softbox to the left (as looking at photo) angled slightly ahead of subject. An umbrella was forward and to the right angled from above and down on the subject. Is the light to harsh coming from the left? Thoughts on the shadows ? Comments greatly appreciated.



Exif:
Nikon D90
28-70mm
Focal legnth 62mm
ISO 200
1/180 at f8.0

[zona5101]

I think your lighting is well suited for a man. Strong shadow side works for guys but as a general idea, doesn't convey the softness usually desired for a woman portrait. Some may push the fill a little more to just make out the detail in the shadow between the neck and the colar. On my monitor I do not see anything but black there. It would be nice to have a little more distance between the backdrop and the subject. You could then avoid seeing the wrinkles/texture in the backdrop and avoid casting shadows. Over all I like it. The lit side of the face is has detail, catchlights are nice...

[mikedugganphotography]

Thanks for the feedback. I will try moving away from the background a bit to give more of a blend. Also, I see what you are suggesting with the fill light.