first lighting attempt

Hi folks this is my first attempt at actually trying to light a subject, my ever gorgeous daughter.
Both shots were taken with 50-135 f2.8
1 taken with flash and constant light
2 just constant light

cc welcome cos i sure need the advice
Derek

I used my af 360fgz with a home made beauty dish on it to try direct and soften the light, I don't have a mount for the stand so I had to tape the flash to the stand.
Derek

For me, the lighting of #1 & #3 is too harsh, with too much dark shadow on her face. #2 I like, much softer with fewer dark shadow areas.

The second one is really good.

You've lit her from below, which is usually done to create a ghoulish atmosphere (I think it's called 'halloween lighting?'

If that was your aim, you have succeeded! I do actually like the mood in shot two, and her expression suits the atmosphere better. She also has nice reflections in her eyes. A little light behind to just pick out the top of her head by adding a subtle rim of light to her hair would have improved it.

However I think a soft light above and slightly to the side of her, with perhaps a reflector to kick back some light to her face under her hat, and perhaps a further light behind her to illuminate her hair, would have worked better for your subject.

Can't offer advice as my portraits are rubbish, but I do like #2 though, a nice "moody" shot

I just thought I'd add that my detailed comments aren't based on some perceived superiority in my own portrait attempts, but more on spending time looking at portraits and reading about how they were lit, and trying to come up with helpful suggestions based on that

Number two works well, you might try and light up the head and hat on this shot next time, give a bit more depth to image.

Wow thanks for the comments and advice. I will try to take your tips on board. Lack of reflectors and lighting notwithstanding. I have 1 small light and 1 stand, i will have to be inventive
No 2 is my own fav.
Derek

Here is a reworked version of no 2

I don't like the fact that you can't see any clothing, like a 'spooky floating head' hologram!Edit: the fact that she is lit from below also gives an horror poster appearance, maybe one light, shoulder level off to one side?