First attempt at Headshots

[lusodoll]

So this weekend I am shooting some headshots for a friends son.

I should preface that he already had them professionally done, they are just allowing me to shoot some additional ones for practice.

So what I have right now is my Canon Rebel, the kit lens, and a 50mm 1.8. I also have a small sunpak xlf 50, nothing fancy. Just starting out. We will be shooting outside so I was thinking of picking up a reflector since his mom will be there to help me.

So I have been reading a lot and looking at a lot of headshots online but was wondering if anyone has any tips on how to make the most of my time and might have some ideas based on your own experiences. My model is 10, going on 30, and is pretty experienced in front of the camera so I feel that he will be a great subject for my first time out shooting headshots.


I'm looking forward to reading your advice! Thanks.

[zona5101]

A reflector will be a great idea. It gives a nice wide, more natural light unlike a typical unmodified flash. You can use your reflector as the fill or as the main light. If you reflect direct sun it can be too bright so feather the reflector so only the edge is hitting the subject...better yet, reflect open sky rather than sun. A reflector is a very flexible tool and it is even more awesome when you have a voice activated human powered reflector stand

[phaither]

i am doing my first headshot this afternoon. i'm hoping to be outside but it's drizzly today, so we'll have to wait and see...

the young lady is auditioning for the Rockettes so i'll be doing full-body shots and head/neck. i have a reflector (with human reflector stand ) and alternate light sources if we have to shoot inside.

i've done a lot of research online about angles, shadows, etc. but any last-minute tips would be appreciated!
faith

[BigFuzzy]

Hope it's not too late but here's a coupe of tips.

Find open shade, especially if you're not comfy using your flash.
Learn to get your flash off-camera.
Get the reflector as close to to subject as possible to get that "large light source" softness from it.
Use a shallow depth of field to blur out any distracting background if you've not been able to find a nice clean background.
Let it be natural.. don't force things. Get to know the subject first, chat her up, put her at ease. Make her see you as a person, not a camera.
And be prepared! BE PREPARED. Have ideas in mind already, don't waste a minute standing around thinking "umming and uhing" will make your subject stiffen up. Be confident and it'll show in your subject.

Good luck!

[phaither]

Thanks for the input. I did some outside in natural light and some in studio. The first 2 edits are on my FB page if you want to give a look...