Hat series - Portraits

[rokkstar]

Ok, I'm still trying to get to grips with studio lighting, backgrounds, posing, etc etc. It's all very exciting but one hell of a tough mother. Just when I think I've worked out one aspect another one needs answering!!

Anyway, I would appreciate C&C on this series - the hat is intentionally obscuring the eyes on three, but does it work?



No portrait session would be complete without the obligitory self shots!!!



Cheers

[Nnnnsic]

First and second two are easily the best here.

I think you've given yourself too harsh a lighting on that last shot, evident with the flash spot on your nose. It might make a good b&w, but I think it's a tad too harsh in colour.

Also, you're cropping your hat just a bit too much for my liking in the third and losing some details out to the darkness where I think you could be separating them.

Great work regardless, though.

[Oneputt]

I like number two very much. the angled face gives it more appeal than the others, but they are all interesting.

[stubbsy]

Matt

I've visited a few times trying to decide how I feel about these. They don't work for me and I've finally worked out why.

The lighting is spot on, but I think the hat is too big since it dominates the shot so much. With no eyes to grab my focus all I see is that giant hat. The last one of you with your favourite out and about headware works much better, but because that hat is white suffers from blown highlights as already mentioned.

What about a beret?

[Matt. K]

I agree with Stubbsy....but I think if the hat was black it would demand less attention. Besides that I think the eyes are so powerful that it rarely is a good idea to hide them. I like the close-up simplicity of the shots and that is a hard thing to achieve...believe it or not. Maybe...if you are dead set on hiding the eyes,then introduce a hand or two close to...or touching, the face. Always a pleasure to look at your work Matt,

[rokkstar]

Thanks for the comments guys.

The hat obscuring the eyes was an idea I was thiking of and gave it a go and, being close to the project, couldn't decide whether it works or not. Although I still like the images I agree about lack of eye contact. Th4ese could work well if they were not such close and personal shots I'm thinking. If they were wider and incorporated more elements, such as a hand like Matt said.

Thanks again guys.