Beauty In The Shade

[Xeno]

Right, i'm hopeing to expand and improve on my general portrait photography. I consider this one of my better ones i've taken thus far so i would like to know if there is any advice or ideas people have for me to do.

I don't mind ANY advice as long as its constructive. I dispise people just slagging it off with no advice to go with it.

 

[Alpha]

If you're going to shoot in a setting this dark, you need a hairlight. If you don't have one, I'd suggest shooting in brighter light, or at least getting a reflector or fill-flash. Except for the highlights on her arms and face, the rest of the shot is sorely underexposed. You also might want to coach your model a bit, or at least make her laugh, because this looks more like "disgruntled in the shade." Also, the angle of her body is sub-optimal, especially with regard to lighting. The lighting is just spotty across her, and when shooting these kinds of shots, it's particularly important that the shadows accentuate the figure. In this case, they obstruct it. And why hide the cleavage with hair? She isn't wearing a top like that for no reason.

 

[Xeno]

Ahh thanks, now that sort of critisism i appreciate. I'll try and bare your suggestions in mind

 

[Trenton Romulox]

It's not a bad shot or anything, but there are definitely things to improve upon. MaxBloom pretty much touched on everything. But also keep in mind that you don't want your models breast(s) falling out, or as close as one of them is. Or maybe you do want her boobs falling out, if that's the case, then hey, go for it. Her face is just too "dark". The eyes, the expression, it all screams "I HATE LAYING DOWN AND THIS SMILE IS FAKE". Get her to relax. The best poses are the natural poses.

 

[bluerangeriii]

i dont know if you wanted the splotchy like shadows. but maybe a scrim would make the photo more appealing. also be aware of your shadow too. i think i can see your shadow at the bottom.

 

[motcon]

do you have a larger version that you can post or to which you can point a link?

edit: wait.....nevermind. just noticed:

My Photos Are NOT OK to Edit

 

[Efergoh]

...also be aware of your shadow too. i think i can see your shadow at the bottom.

Then would this qualify as a self portrait?

I'm not really loving the vertical composition. With her laying on her side as she is, I think landscape would have been more visually pleasing. I would also suggest a lower angle. She is looking up at you...sharply, and that causes forehead wrinkles

 

[Xeno]

Ok Thanks for all the comments. I'll bare them all in mind as much as i can next chance that i get to do a shoot

I do have some other shots from this shoot that (after reading your comments) could be classed as better overally. Am i allowed to start another thread conserning one of them or should i use this same thread and add it to the first post of mine?

 

[elsaspet]

I'm late in responding...........

This is a very common mistake. Find EVEN light to shoot in, and use a reflector to bounce, or a scrim to shield if needed. You have some very harsh shadow issues here.
Also, turn her head all the way up, and almost stand over the top of her. This will help eliminate the "disgruntled" look.
Pretty lady. You should try again.

 

[Alex_B]

This is a very common mistake. Find EVEN light to shoot in

un-even light an be great to create interesting effects, but it is very hard to work with... so i agree for this sort of shot even light would be very beneficial.

 

[elsaspet]

I agree uneven can be dramatic, but it's a hard one to master. Mostly done with overhangs, or natural framing......it's a tuffy though, I agree.

 

[mysteryscribe]

That kind of lighting is why us old timers used a lot of flash everywhere. Flat strobe from a couple of directions might not be dramatic but it is safe for a film shooter.