Sculpting with light in studio work

Knowing how to sculpt the models face with light is a must for a photographer. People have different shaped faces, so there in no formula for the perfect light setting for all profiles. It's smart to start off by asking your model, what they would like to emphasis and what they don't want to highlight when taking a portrait. It is really important to find that setting for your model, to make them feel good about them-self. Getting it right is also good for future collaborations and for getting new clients. Mostly it should matter to YOU, it is rewarding to do something right a little confidence boost never hurts. Next of course to really emphasis curtain parts of the models face and tweak minor beauty mistakes it's good to use Photoshop. I have realized it is good to analyze the before and after to really get an overview of how you are progressing. Here is what i came up with.

 ISO-800  F/4  1/100 sec.  40 mm

I also tried out using light for visual effect. I was surprised of how easy it really is to create this effect. There certainly is a lot of room for improvement. I got inspired and am planning on using this technique in my future work. 

ISO-100  F/8  1/3 sec. 40 mm (with flash)

ISO-100  F/9  1/2 sec.  30 mm (with flash)