a portrait

[Tom Szabo]

Everytking:
Based on your OP, it sounds like you might be new to portrait photography. So the takeaway here is if your subject is not a model who knows how to work the camera, you have to direct them to pose. One the most asked questions is what do I do with my hands. So you have to be prepared for that question. Look at other pros work for ideas.

In addition, when a client shows up with bold patterned apparel, it’s your job to find work arounds. It might be the way you pose them or place them somewhere to minimize the bold appearance.
Regarding the location, you have to pay attention to extraneous features. If the location does anything to detract from your subject, move.

Find ways to help your client relax. You might try talking with them to build a rapport. If you are trying things for the first time, talk about that and your goals. Also consider talking to your client about their goals or expectations. Also don’t be afraid to show your client how they appear in the images. This may help them understand why you’re directing them the way you do. Keep trying!

 

[BillM]

Honestly I'd probably just trash can that one, or do this with it

 

[texxter]

Lovely subject to photograph and beautiful smile! The exposure is perfect and I love the background on the first photo. The one thing I noticed on the first two images of the series is that the lighting looks artificial because the sunlight comes from behind but the flash is clearly in front. This is not wrong, of course, as it is your creative choice, but one can tell that the picture is lit artificially. On the last image, however, you've placed the flash on the same side of the sun, and the resulting light looks much more natural. Good job!

 

[paigew]

I like the last one the best, particularly, the more directional lighting. In the first two the lighting is flat and sort of makes it look like she was shot in a fake backdrop.

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

 

[Michael Donald]

cc is more than welcome.

Nice work. She looks very comfortable
IMG_4815 by James Cason, on Flickr