B&W film portraits: thoughts?

[cestlefun17]

Shot on Ilford XP5+ ISO 400. This is my first time using a reflector and I notice it really makes a difference!


Scan-130827-0002 by bill.santagata, on Flickr


Scan-130827-0003 by bill.santagata, on Flickr


Scan-130827-0004 by bill.santagata, on Flickr


Scan-130827-0005 by bill.santagata, on Flickr

 

[terri38 9]

I like them! Good use of a reflector; maybe almost too much on the last one as she is showing up a mite shiny. Technically these look pretty good for your first go-around with a reflector - I wish your male model was not looking "just" off to the side of the lens; it's a tad off-putting.

 

[vintagesnaps]

I think it helps to make sure the camera's straight if you use something like a brick wall or anything with an even geometric pattern to it as a background. I agree with Terri on thinking about where your subject is looking. Nice B&W!

 

[cestlefun17]

It's interesting that you prefer the subject to look directly into the camera. To me, that is off-putting and I actually asked my subjects to look slightly off-camera. I straightened the first picture:


Scan-130827-0002 by bill.santagata, on Flickr

 

[cestlefun17]

I adjusted the picture of the female subject to even out her skin tone (there was a big shiny spot on her cheek). I upped the contrast and brightness a little bit. The new version also gives her a little more glow.


Scan-130830-0001 by bill.santagata, on Flickr

If anyone can tell me how to post a photo not on Flickr then I can put up the old version. (Does Facebook have BBCode function like Flickr?)