First Portrait

jjvn · Dec 18, 2006

My first portrait attempt, I know it's not the best portrait of all, but I really like it, I like the background, and I like the reflection on her eyes (or maybe I just like the model, I don't know)

What do you think?

Michaelaw · Dec 18, 2006

I'm no expert but I think the lighting on her forehead, cheak, nose and chin may be a smidge too hot. The coffee cup lid and partial hand are distracting, either show us all of it or crop it out. As I said though...I'm no expert. The expression on her face is really nice. Nice early portrait work.

oldnavy170 · Dec 18, 2006

I agree that the cup and hand have to go. Its not a bad photo but it needs some more cropping.

jjvn · Dec 18, 2006

Edited photo

Hope it's better. I didn't croped it before because I just wanted to show it as it was. The cup was there because we were returning from lunch, the photo was taken at the office we work.

oldnavy170 · Dec 18, 2006

Yes, I like this one so much better. I also like the angle of her head!

Michaelaw · Dec 18, 2006

That looks better to me even if it is a total square, the hand and lid were not helpng it out before. Much better. The lighting is still a tad hot so you lose a bit of definition in her skin, maybe something to think about next time. otherwise it looks good.

rho · Dec 19, 2006

I agree it's too hot at places and no one mentioned it's out of focus (usually you want to have the eye's dead sharp.. IMO)

Nice first shot!

LaFoto · Dec 19, 2006

This ought to be in the Weddings and Portraits Forum ... I shall move it over there. That is where all our experts on portrait photography get together more

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Nice model, I have to admit.
Nice that you refrained from using the on camera flash.
But now this particular photo has a bit of camera shake.
Doesn't make her smile any less attractive, mind!!!

SpaceNut · Dec 19, 2006

The cropped version is much better. Nice job & welcome to TPF.

jjvn · Dec 19, 2006

I know it has a little camera shake, I just had to take the picture as fast as I could, she never posed for me before, and when I saw that smile I just pressed the shutter button and did't care much about the settings and the shake of the camera.
Thanks for the advice, I will pay more attention to exposure next time, and also find a better support for the camera.