"First" outside shoot, CC, please

[jlo24141]

Hello, everyone! This is my first post in a while. I took some time off to apply some of the useful criticism I received (as well as stuff that others received). I haven't had a lot of luck with indoor shots, yet. So, we took it outside!

1.
2.
3.

Comments, tips, critiques are all welcomed.

 

[hirejn]

Not bad. #1 wire runs through head, needs fill light, bg a little cluttered. No. 3 she has a nice back, but the front is much more interesting. She should be facing the light. Compositionally it'd probably work better if she were on the right side of the frame. No. 2 the tree is better lit than the subject, competing with the subject. She's framed like a hitchhiker, but she's not an actual hitchhiker; she's a model. She should dominate. Just things to consider.

 

[jlo24141]

Excellent advice, and things I didn't notice or even consider. I appreciate it!

 

[tirediron]

Am I missing something here????? You have a model that attractive and she takes up 2% of the frame?????????

 

[2WheelPhoto]

Great for 1st outside shot. And what he said^^^^^^^^ =)

 

[jlo24141]

Yes, you are missing the scenery and the feel of the place. The pictures are not just about her, but where she is. The images show how the beauty of the south and the beauty of the southern belle compliment each other.

 

[2WheelPhoto]

If its the same gal in Pic 3 her pose does her no justice

 

[oldhippy]

Beautiful girl, ! and 2 or nice. in fact I like 2. but 3 she looks like shes going to the bathroom or something. There is a learning process here. Be more selective about what you show. Keep at it, you have talent. It will come together.

 

[cgipson1]

#1 and #2 do nothing for me.. too cliche / bad backgrounds / other.

#3 could have been nice if you had capitalized on that beautiful field, and used it frame your model. Facing the camera.... not just her back! Some vertical portraits of her, smiling, laughing, etc.. with that in the foreground / background with some softness from proper use of DOF. Maybe some closeups of her, showing those gorgeous eyes...

So much you could have done with this! Did you? Do you have other, hopefully better images to post?? Hopefully with reflectors and / or fill flash?

 

[Lmphotos]

lighting is hard to figure out I have been trying for a long time #1 and #2 the lighting is way to harsh try later in the evening at sunset and you will be amazed how much more flattering your lighting will be. # 3 really turns me off its bad lighting and bad composition. That field is beautiful and so many things could have been done with it. Like the above say get a flash and reflector or at least a diffuser and try try again. Dont give up if you stick it out you could yield some great images!

 

[IlluminateAperture]

nice shots!

#3) I think if you leveled the background, it wouldn't look so off to me. But I love the idea!
#2) Definitely get a lil closer to the model

Great job!

 

[jlo24141]

#1 and #2 do nothing for me.. too cliche / bad backgrounds / other.

#3 could have been nice if you had capitalized on that beautiful field, and used it frame your model. Facing the camera.... not just her back! Some vertical portraits of her, smiling, laughing, etc.. with that in the foreground / background with some softness from proper use of DOF. Maybe some closeups of her, showing those gorgeous eyes...

So much you could have done with this! Did you? Do you have other, hopefully better images to post?? Hopefully with reflectors and / or fill flash?

I didn't go out with my flash and I don't have a reflector. I will most likely get some white cardboard things from walmart here shortly. She didn't do too well in the field, from allergies or whatever else she had going on that week, but I did get the following shots. I have a few more but they were kind of blown out or too soft of focus. Luckily the field is still there, and looks even better when the hay bales are in it. Most of the images I have are too shadowed on the face, so that one is a lesson learned already. Thanks to everyone here for the advice. I am a hobbyist and don't have too much time to dedicate to researching techniques, so the pointers here lead me to the right places. I just need time!
Ah i missed the green patch in my post edit tonight. Please disregard- it's late here, and I see it.

 

[Lmphotos]

The next ones are better but you still have harsh unflattering light need that flash or reflector

 

[kathyt]

Shooting in this kind of light, the middle of the day I am assuming, takes alot of skill. The next step I would take in your position, would be to grab a reflector, and to redo this shoot closer to sunset. Maybe an hour before. Your results will amaze you. There are some great videos on YouTube about how to use a reflector. Next time you are outside hold your hand out in front of you, and see how the light falls on your hand. Where are the shadows? Where are the highlights? Continue to do this during different parts of the day, and you will be surprised what it can teach you about where the light will potentially fall on your future subjects.
#2. I really like the composition and the theme of this image. Just have to work on a few kinks. You are off to a good start though.

 

[jlo24141]

The next ones are better but you still have harsh unflattering light need that flash or reflector

Copy all on the reflector. I saw that one of those laminated white boards may help? Seems like the cheapest trick. And, hey- I'm not going to lie---with this time change I don't even know when sunset is any more. The pics were taken around 5 PM, which I thought was close to our golden hour. Luckily we have almanacs online for next time.
The hand trick is a great idea! I will have a good look tomorrow. I have a few other shots like #2- what kinks do you see, besides tree lighting and a MTN Dew bottle?