2 portraits for C&C

VegasPhotoNut · Jul 20, 2011

pic 1

pic 2

just my 2 cents i suppose, i think the first pic i probably should have included more of her body with all the space left up top. Always practicing, trying to get better!

tirediron · Jul 20, 2011

C&C per req:

1. Step away from the background. Step far away, preferably ten feet or more! I suspect this background wouldn't be bad at all if there was enough separation so that the subject could be sharply focused but the background soft. As-is, the relatively sharp background focus is competeing for the eye's attention. Her eyes are a little dark, and a reflector or small fill light would have helped a lot. I agree that some of the empty space could go, but I think this works just fine as a head & shouldes shot.

2. Sorry, this pose is just plain bad. There is only one group of people who use this to any effect, and I'm sure your subject wouldn't want to be associated with them. Her positioning here looks like you captured her just as she wsa moving.

Both shots seem slightly under-exposed, say 1/2 stop or so. Try brightening them a little in post. Keep shooting!

Just my $00.02 worth - your mileage may vary.

~John

OrionsByte · Jul 20, 2011

#1 - You're right, there's too much space above her head.

#2 - Too much space above her head and on the left side of the frame, and additionally she's too close to the edge of the frame on the right and bottom. The combination of those things gives the whole photo an uncomfortable cramped feeling. Also, her pose is pretty awkward.

Both of these could stand to have the contrast and brightness bumped up a bit.

Overall pretty decent shots though.