C&C on these pictures

[stanm3]

My brother is trying to go for a modeling agency and they want to see how he looks in photos, they asked for one portrait and one full body-length shot. I already picked the portrait but i need help cropping it the right way. And I need to pick one or two of the full body-length photos help me choose, and crop it if needed. Tell me what you think of him and give C&C on the photos!
Thanks!

 

[marmots]

i think getting in a little closer would help... imo

definitely not #2, hes kinda slouching or so it appears

 

[fokker]

I don't know much about modelling, but if was an agent and I saw these photos they would likely go straight into the trash. The poses are awkward looking and the clothing doesn't exactly scream 'model'. From your end as the photographer you need to direct the poses, which is hard to do at first but it's essential to learn.

Some points I can make about portraits - you're trying to show off the person, not the background. Get in tight with the framing and try to blur the background as much as possible by setting up the shot and camera settings and lens choice correctly (large subject to background distance, use a telephoto lens if possible and a large aperture). For a head and shoulders portrait it should be exactly that - head and shoulders, not a wide framed shot with the subject slumped across a table. Use the camera in the vertical orientation (also known as the portrait orientation for obvious reasons).

On all the body shots you need to get in much tighter, the subject is being dwarfed by the surroundings. Arms folded is never a good pose for photos unless you're trying to go for a tough guy look, which is not really the case here.

What are you using for lighting? The lighting on the model's face looks good so well done in that respect.

Hope you find these tips helpful. Keep trying until you nail it.

 

[burgo]

Fokker is right. As snaps of a friend they are good. As an attempt of model photography they are very average. All the no no's of slouching, crossed arms, and hands in pockets. But on the plus side your images are well exposed and focused well. Mastering the technical aspects of photography is just the start when it comes to shooting people. Taking good model shots can be learned, just look in any glossy mag . Mastering the art of portrait photography where your images invoke heartfelt emotions from the viewer is much, much tougher. So hang in there and keep going. Well done.

 

[KmH]

You need something more like this

Models are rarely photographed with only ambient light. The lighting in these is very poor for model portfolio photos.

 

[Corvphotography]

i agree w all of the above.

 

[marmots]

i agree w all of the above.

well thats helpful... lol

 

[NCAFLeo88]

Yeah, from someone with modeling experience, I agree as well, those pix need to be about the person and let the background add to them. I look at these and my eyes immediately go to the background...Yes, the pix are beautiful, but for modeling, doesn't work for me.

 

[Bram]

Get the subject in the foreground in focus and lots of bokeh. Make the poses not look so akward, I feel #2 looks a little weird like mentioned above.

 

[stanm3]

Are these better?

 

[FattyMcJ]

Models are rarely photographed with only ambient light. The lighting in these is very poor for model portfolio photos.

Are these better?

Same lighting, same stiff look to the model. In a word, no.

 

[fokker]

Are these better?

I think that shot is much better than any of the others you posted. Still need to be careful of the background though, he has poles and trees poking out of his head. Less DOF (depth of field) is needed.
The lighting isn't bad at all in my opinion, though obviously his right side is lit brighter than his left. A simple reflector would have been ideal here.

 

[sobolik]

Keep in mind that it is a modeling audition/inquiry and not a photography mastery exhibition. If they think the model can make them money they will proceed down that path.

You have two choices. 1) produce a fake representation like many photos are i.e hide the fact the the female is 300 pounds by using careful framing etc. or 2) Just be honest. i.e. He is not a pro model and you are not a pro model photographer.

You are sending the photos to pros. They can spot a diamond in a junk pile. Or vs vs.

In other words don't fret it to excess.

 

[KmH]

Get the subject in the foreground in focus and lots of bokeh. Make the poses not look so akward, I feel #2 looks a little weird like mentioned above.

Bokeh is not a quantity, it is a quality.

The way you used the term bokeh here is wrong. What you are referring to is depth-of-field. They are not interchangable terms.

 

[Bram]

Make sure not to cut of any body parts that includes hair.