Couple of my son

[RxForB3]

I took these two pics outside today on my covered porch. I was in a bit of a hurry, so I didn't use a flash. What should I do different next time?


IMG_6766-2 by RxForB3, on Flickr


IMG_6761-2 by RxForB3, on Flickr

The hat was his idea

 

[jaypix]

Lighting and background are not ideal, especially in #2; there are pouches under the eyes, which are unsufficiently lit.

 

[The_Traveler]

This is an unfortunate but good example of the dangers of shooting very open at close ranges.
Note that the hat is in focus, the eyebrows are in focus, the eyes are OOF and the teeth are virtually bokeh.

 

[RxForB3]

Thank you both for the comments! I'm definitely a beginner at photography in general, and especially at portraits, so I'm not yet great at identifying what makes a good portrait and it helps tremendously to have someone point out the details I would overlook (like the varied focus of the close up).

 

[gopal]

using small aperture and focusing on eyes will help a lot.....lighting in first also is not good for your portrait training, as it is coming from below...see catchlight in his right eye.

 

[RxForB3]

Interesting. I see the catch light, but I wasn't using a flash. The light must have been reflecting off the concrete of the porch?

 

[gopal]

Flash is not necessary to make catchlight in eyes....your presumption is correct as the eye catches the reflecting surfaces around.

 

[LuckySe7en]

use flash next time and go with f4

 

[RxForB3]

Will do, thanks!

 

[KmH]

I took these two pics outside today on my covered porch. I was in a bit of a hurry, so I didn't use a flash. What should I do different next time?

Wait until you have sufficient time.