First Portraits Need tips

[MrPresident]

First time really using my Canon 50d, first time portrait shooting. Tips and editing techniques (using Photoshop cs4)greatly appreciated .

 

[NoyAsaraf]

i find photos
#3, #6, #8, #9
are great as portraits
#1 i dont like the edit.. i think it can be great without.
#5 the focus is on the rock and not on the girl ....

 

[MrPresident]

now that i look at i can see that number 5 focused on the rock didnt notice till now.

 

[AnotherNewGuy]

ok, some advice that has been given to me in the past:

- you have some harsh shadows there. If using natural light a diffuser or reflector can help provide a fill light to fix that.
- Use your long lens and focus close on the eyes. Hold the focus and zoom out for the shot. This will help assure your focus is right and your eyes aren't too soft.
-The composition of these are great, now the other parts to work on are lighting and post-processing..... Google is your friend!!!
-The over sharpening in the first one doesn't work.
- I'm still fairly new as well so take this with the grain of salt.

Good luck and good first try.

 

[RauschPhotography]

For a portrait, your focus is really soft. Make sure to get her more in focus next time around, or whoever is your next subject.