Home studio single octabox portrait

In the interest of improving my skills as a portrait photographer I am embarking on a project, who knows how long, to master every piece of equipment I own and try as many practical tips and ideas as possible from the many books, YouTube videos and Flickr groups I have access to, as well as my own.

I will appreciate any and all practical comments on what works and does not work in these tests, what I can improve and what new techniques I should try.

This is lit entirely by the octagonal softbox, which was placed relatively low and close to the subject. F/8 and 105mm to achieve the front to back sharpness (at 105mm, f/8 is barely enough, and the back of the ear is out of focus, which is probably forgivable).

Processing: This was badly overexposed, but thanks to RAW, reducing exposure by 1.3 EV and highlights by 60% made it a very serviceable portrait. I noticed that it is better to overexpose than underexpose for the detail recovery purposes. Of course, it's best to get it right in camera.

• Vignette added

The good: the look of natural light from a flash. Soft shadows -- probably resulting from close placement of the softbox and original overexposure. Must continue practicing this technique. Attractive octagonal catchlights.

The bad: lighting aside, most wear better shirts just in case the photo shared with the public. Bright spot on nose; I usually fix those with the Lightroom clone and heal tool rather than a brush or a filter.

Next steps: 105mm may be too long unless shallow DoF is the goal. Keep trying different focal lengths.

Try replicating this lighting and record the distance, angle and height of the softbox. Most other photos have harsh shadows on the neck and some even on the wall.

Keep better notes while shooting -- important!