Advice for portrait photography please (images inside (56kbsp may have a wait))

[nomore]

Hi. I would like to stop taking snap shots and make more artisic and interesting protrait type shots. Below are some examples of my 'snaps'. i would appreciate some advise as to what could have been done to improve the composition. I know I would need better backgrounds, but what I'm concerned with at the moment is framing and composition etc.

Thanks.

More linked below

http://www.v12digital.com/lp/lorraine1.jpg

http://www.v12digital.com/lp/blackoutfit.jpg

http://www.v12digital.com/lp/lorraine_white_dress2.jpg

http://www.v12digital.com/lp/mirror.jpg

 

[markc]

Arrrggghhhh! I hate when you write a long post and then lose it.

Anyway, I think you are already past the snapshot stage. You've avoided the common pitfalls of using a wide-angle lens for portraits or on-camera flash as a main light. You've already hit on what I think you should work on next: your enviroment. You could try a wider aperture to blur more of it out if you are limited in choices.

In this one and mirror, the monitor is in the background. In lorraine1 the tiles have tilted lines and in blackoutfit the sofa and curtains do. Everything doesn't have to be straight, but here they don't work for me. In white_dress2, the yard is a bit ugly for a background.

I think you did a really good job with the subject in all cases, and she's well lit. It looks like you might have used fill-flash in a couple of them, and got that right on.

From a couple of the last two pics it looks like you are taller than she is. In the first few, it looks like you couched a bit to get the lens even with her eyes. I think that a really good thing.

Good job.

 

[Scadin]

IMHO and it is humble here are a few suggestions take them for what they are worth to you.... I would simplify the backgrounds using fewer props and more neutral colors behind the subject, I would pull in tighter on the subjects face and focus on the eyes sharp eyes good portait and finally I would look for ways to use position and lighting to enhance the subject, example sitting next to a window with light primarily from on side. I liked your reflection in a mirror try it again focusing sharply on the image in the mirror and see what you think... as a final thought portraits are intended to capture the essence ,the soul of the subject not just their likeness, I hope this has been helpful it is intended to encourage you ,

Scadin

 

[Katz]

The only other advice I can think of that was not given, and it was learned through experience, is to keep an eye on your background, try to make sure that your "landscape" (Whatever it may be) is not tilted.........unless, you want it that way!