The Portrait Head and Shoulders Image

[Benji]

Here is how NOT to do it! Her shoulders are square to the camera (also known as "football shoulders") so called because your subject looks like a full back for the Pittsburgh Steelers if you photograph them this way!!! Note also the highlighted side of her nose and her hot shoulder. She is slumped over and her top is not only sleeveless (a definate no no) but it also has a bold pattern and is brightly colored.

See below for another way NOT to do this type of image.

Benji

[Benji]

Yet another way not to do it. Now her body is turned too far away from the camera.* Now her head doesn't have a good solid foundation to sit on.* She is slumped over adding pounds to her frame, the lighting is still illuminating her nose and shoulder instead of her lovely face and her hair is a mess, and we still have that ugly top!* See the next image below this reply to see how it should be done.

Benji

[Benji]

Finally her body is turned to the correct angle to the camera (45 degrees) she isn't slumped over, the clothing doesn't attract attention to itself and she is well lit. She has tipped her head to the high (feminine) shoulder and I short lit her to help slenderize her face. Her hair is seperated from the background with a hair light above and behind her and a kicker at camera right kicking some light into her dark hair so it doesn't blend in with the background.

Benji

[Alter_ego]

Good pointers Benji. During my escapades in August I shot several sessions with my new studio gear. Due to my inexperience, I had quite a few shots like your first example and I had to bin them for the reasons you stated.
I had just a few like the second example which needed a really tight crop to make them usable, and a handfull like the 3rd example which were nice.
A lot of shots were between 2 and 3, where the shoulder was visible but the upper arm was hidden by the breast. It sort of looked like an unattractive stump sticking out.
I'll post one of the better ones (IMO) in its own thread for C&C.

Overall, the girls I photographed were very pleased with the pics I gave them, but in retrospect I could have had more keepers if I had given better directions and had more time. I must practice more.

[jfrancho]

I love the cyclops in #2. I've actually seen this pose done by supposed pro studios.

[Shortie]

number three for me

[shortyred]

Great Benji keep them coming!!!

[Song4themoon]

Thanks Benji

[mavb]

Thanks for the info Benji.

Seeing what not to do is as helpful as seein what to do.

Mark

[AlbertP]

Love this tutorial, Benji. The "how not to" is as good as the positive examples.