Head Shots 101
If you want to make some serious points with a new model, the best way to accomplish this is to give her a really good head shot. Even Nude or Glamour models need a decent head shot. Face facts, when any model sends out images for review, the head shot is the one that goes in the reference file.

You don't need a ton of equipment or an enormous studio to do this type of image. You will spend a little time doing it but the returns will be well worth it. You have helped the model and maybe even added an extra sale. Here is the set-up that works and the reason it is almost foolproof.

The Tools Needed:

1, 600WS Studio Flash & 1, 36in. x 48in. Soft Box

1, Inexpensive Drafting Table and a Stool with no back.

1, Each 32in.x40in. White Reflector & Silver

1, Preferably an 80-200 Zoom or a 105 tele.

AND THAT'S ALL FOLKS !

Place the model 4 ft. from the background. Don't worry about shadows...the soft box will take care of that.  Position the drafting table with the reflector on it directly in front of the model. She should almost be touching the edge of it.  Now angle the table as is shown in the diagram.  Place the soft box horizontally, with the bottom edge of the box in a direct line with the edge of the drafting table.  Angle the box downward as shown. Meter & you're ready to shoot.

The reason this works 99 out of 100 times is simple physics. Since the soft box is at a steep angle, the top of the box is closer to the top of the model’s head. Closer will mean a little more light on the hair.

The center of the box lights the face, and the bottom bounces off the reflector. This bounce light fills the shadows under the eyes and small creases around the eye. It is not so overpowering as to wash out the chin line. The steep angle of the Soft Box drives the shadow down and behind the model. As a quick note, soft boxes do not create harsh shadows anyway.

Now, meter the shot. Use a gray card and meter the face only! Use this reading and open up one half a stop. Why overexpose? That is how you get that “perfect skin look”.

Hope this helps!  Jack.