Attempt at Portraits

[Stacey]

These were taken over Memorial Day Weekend. I used my cousins as the models. I'm kinda partial to them but I know there are some flaws. And I have NO idea at how to fix them. I am using Photoshop CS2 and am brain dead when it comes to using that program..Anyways, C/C please...tell me what's wrong and what's okay.

1. Lexi & Levi. (I know that it is dark and therefore "shadowy!

2. Lexi, Levi & Dalton. Love this one but to me, in retrospect, there were too many hands up front. Some glare....

3. Lexi, Levi & Dalton...again, love it but the shine on his glasses is a bother.

4. Here they are again...trying something different.

5. And again, being my favorite kids!

 

[Corry]

Ok, I know I was THERE, and should have told you then...but looking at these now, I'll try and give some tips.

1) pay attention to your background. Try and find backgrounds that aren't distracting or ugly.

In this case you have some with the barrel and soem junk around the shed....some are half gramma's house and half the sky....it's a bit distracting and awkward.

You never want your background to draw your eye away from your subjects.

One thing I do (still do, yes, cuz I'm definitely still learning) is browse photographer websites online and look through thier examples on thier pages. Pay attention to what they use for backgrounds, and how they use backgrounds.

As for lighting...avoid direct sunlight, especially on super sunny days. You will end up with lots of dark shadows cast across your subjects. Overcast days are best for lighting (because it's soft and even), but doesn't look great in the background, so I usually try not to have any sky in the background on overcast days. If it's sunny, find some shade, but watch out for 'speckles' from light coming through the trees.

I think your best here is #3...the glare isn't HORRIBLE, but you're right, it is something that could use work. I'm not really sure on that, as I haven't encountered it, and therefore haven't yet seeked out a solution to it! I'm sure there will be people on here to help with that. It might be as simple as watching for the glare before you take the picture, and re-adjusting the angle accordingly.

 

[Stacey]

Ya know, after I put these on my computer I noticed the background. I was kinda irritated with myself that I failed to notice the shed/house/burn barrell in the background but oh well. It's something that I can learn from, right? Is there any way I can "wash out" the background? Or make it all one color? Like black or something? I have no idea as to how to use my photoshop thingy.

Anyways, thanks Corryyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!!!! U freakin' rock! Now I'm going to go see what else you had to say about my other stuff! :hug::

 

[Corry]

Heh, sure there is, but I'm not too good at doing it and still having it look decent.

And I didn't comment on all of your threads. Some aspects I'm not so great at critiquing about.

 

[Stacey]

Corry-Check your messages if you haven't already. Also, gotta quick question for you. You know the "scenery" down here, I'm going to do some engagement shots for some friends of mine in the fall and I'm trying to get a head start on it now....what are some good locations to take some pictures? He's a hunter (he runs with Bryan) and she loves the outdoors also. I don't know where to take them. Any suggestions? Message me back on here if you can (thru the private messages if you can). I am determined to learn the forum! bwahahahaha

 

[NikonD40x@Denver]

How about the Corn on the ground?

 

[oldnavy170]

I like #5 the best. Its a very fun playful shot!!!! If your looking for a good spot for portraits you should try a park. Something with alot of green always looks good.