I like to take screenshots of my characters, but the only way I can get a face-on view of them in Oblivion is by opening the journal and then it's not a good shot because it has clenched fists, ready to fight. The Control toggle to 3rd person only shows the back.
I like the way in Skyrim that you can go around the character and see it from any angle.

Hold the 'Change View' button down and it will switch to a 'free' camera.