This is one of my favorite people, and one of my oldest friends. He agreed to sit for me today and help me practice head shots. Please feel free to critique. I long to be really, really good at this portrait business...
I don't claim to be a portrait photographer, and I do think the subject looks great with nice lighting. My only thought is that the background blends in somewhat with the suit and his hair, so maybe a lighter shade or color?
I like it. You seem to have captured a playfulness in this shot. I am not an expert either but I like what I see. I am sure your friend likes it as he looks very handsome - love the Bow tie. I can see vatap's point re the back ground and wonder how that would change the feel.
As vstap says, I'm also no professional portrait photographer, but I also think that a sharper contour/hair light would be better. I would probably put the hair light in a way, that really only the contours of his head light up slightly. Now the hair light seems to be on the top of his head.
From the front it looks good to me :)
From the front it looks good to me :)