A captivated subject

Reverendus · Aug 22, 2013

A shot taken while trying to learn my camera, it's settings, and some composition. The subject in this one is my favorite (she's my fiancee) and the target of a lot of my practice shots.

IMG_2280 by erichegeman, on Flickr

Being as I have a lot to learn, comments and critiques are invited and welcomed!

rlemert · Aug 23, 2013

A lot of people here would suggest that "up the nose" shots are not the most attractive. Also, you've got a lateral variant of the classic "tree growing out of the model's head" with the big branch that goes to the upper right - I'd try moving your position to avoid that.

I'm also finding this a little 'flat' (if I'm using the term correctly). I think you've got a reasonable exposure that doesn't under-expose her too badly but also doesn't blow out the background. Some fill light to brighten her up a little would probably help.

Braineack · Aug 23, 2013

it's out of focus, poorly composed, lacks contrast/vibrance, looks accidental and I would have shot it closer to f/3.5 to blur the leaves more.

Reverendus · Aug 23, 2013

rlemert said:
A lot of people here would suggest that "up the nose" shots are not the most attractive. Also, you've got a lateral variant of the classic "tree growing out of the model's head" with the big branch that goes to the upper right - I'd try moving your position to avoid that.

I'm also finding this a little 'flat' (if I'm using the term correctly). I think you've got a reasonable exposure that doesn't under-expose her too badly but also doesn't blow out the background. Some fill light to brighten her up a little would probably help.

All good points! Thank you. For some reason I didn't notice that branch until just after I posted it.

Braineack said:
it's out of focus, poorly composed, lacks contrast/vibrance, looks accidental and I would have shot it closer to f/3.5 to blur the leaves more.

Thank you for your comments. Unfortunately f/5.6 is the lowest the lens I have right now can go. Though I suppose I could have enhanced the blur a bit in post.