Another Try at Portraits

[TylerF]

Woke up this morning and wanted to try portraits for a second time before i head to work. So i forced my brother away from his video games for a bit. C&C welcome

Did I go too far with the highlights on the second one?

 

[Sharonbo]

I like them. I love front on photos...Like eyes! He sure looks wide awake for someone getting dragged out of bed.

 

[TylerF]

haha thank you. he wasn't happy but I know how to make him laugh and relax. He has put up with my camera in his face so much. I'm surprised he hasn't broken the thing haha

 

[bigtwinky]

Way better than your last set. Nice job on the progress.

Not sure on the focus or sharpness around the eyes, hard to tell from a small image.
I'm uncertain as well about the posing. I prefer the posing in the first, although his arm seems to be squishing his chin a bit. when you have your model put their hand or fingers on some part of the face, they aren't really resting it, they are just barely touching.

I like how its a bit off center. I don't like that little dip on the lower left hand side where his hand stops and his other arm begins. Maybe a tighter crop?

I find the placement of his arms in the second image very in your face and aggressive. They take up a big part of the frame. Maybe shooting from a bit higher up would help. Shooting from higher up than your model's eye level makes the model look up and open their eyes a bit more. While he has a nice natural smile, I don't like how it closes his eyes.

I also find there is a bit too much empty space over his head.

 

[Alphaem]

Nice shots, my suggestion would be to add some highlights to his hair with a hair light or reflector, or maybe a little rim light from behind which would separate him from the background. Did you do something different with the second shot it appears to have a warmer tone?

 

[TylerF]

Thanks BigTwinky and alphaem. I see where you're coming from with everything. Glad to know i am improving.

as for the second one, i think i just edited it a bit differently

 

[IgsEMT]

MuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuCH better
though I'm not a fan if flat lighting, its pretty good job. keep it up!

 

[TylerF]

thank you!

I don't know how to get more dynamic lighting from my sb600 with it on camera. I can't wait to get another flash and wireless triggers lol

 

[IgsEMT]

U don't need a second flash. It can't hurt but you don't NEED it - u buy a ttl cord and a small light stand or even camcorder chepo tripod And place flash on it connected to the camera. For little home shoots as u just showed it wil do the trick. It isn't the BEST way but you'll tuen your 2d image into a 3d look, just pose accordingly ;$

 

[TylerF]

yeah, I would eventually like to take photos of other people and also do band promotional shoots. I am just using my mom and brother in my house so I don't waste a model or bands time. Thanks though!