FIRST POST EVER! Would love some feedback please!

[JessicaLee]

Sorry, no.

You probably should try again.

1. better background
2. better (lower) camera position Or have the model sit
3. decide on what light to use based on the use for the portrait. This amount of light and the lack of "modeling" is o.k. for his ID picture, but probably not the best for submission to a hospital periodical.
4. either iron the shirt or at least smooth out some of the larger bumps
5. again, depending on the intended use, he might want to smooth his hair

Sorry I was not very specific when I set up this picture for you all. This was just when he came home from school after an 8 hour day (the scrubs are his "uniform") so I was not trying to create a professional looking shot, it was just a pretty evening and we were having fun in the yard. I agree the camera position isn't ideal, but how would you suggest that me being 5'3 get nice looking close ups with a prime lens without always having them sit or me having a stool of some sort? Again, I truly appreciate the feedback

As to the camera position, yes, you are expected to jump up onto a stool or small ladder. Or ask your subject to sit. Note: the camera then may be too high, meaning that you will then have to scrunch down some.

As for the "closeup", I see that you used your 35mm lens. Please note: a wide angle lens, particularly if held close to the subject, tends to introduce distortion. Do you have another lens to use? I think somewhere between 50mm and 100mm would be very nice. Also, if the 35mm is your only lens, be aware that you really don't have to always fill the frame for every shot. If you just step back a ways and take the shot, you can crop later to make a very nice head and shoulders portrait.

Yes I used a 35mm however I am working with a cropped sensor so from my understanding that would more closely mimic a 50mm, right? Does a 35mm still add distortion in that sense? I plan on playing with more lenses, but for now that was my first purchase other than still having my kit lens. And thanks for the cropping suggestion!

 

[Designer]

Alright, what "kit lens"? Why are people so afraid to use the "kit lens"? If you have the 18-55mm, then you won't gain much, but using your 35mm doesn't give you the option of zooming in to a 55mm focal length.

No, you probably won't notice the distortion, as it isn't terrible, but place two images side-by-side, one taken with the 35mm, and the other taken at 55mm. You may be able to see a difference.

I'm not going to get into the "cropped sensor" vs. "full frame" debate, but if you're interested in reading more, check this out: http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/...rence-between-full-frame-cropped-sensors.html also here: http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/...354984-sensor-size-focal-length-question.html

Hopefully, after you have read through those two threads you will have a better understanding of the concept.

Then read this one: http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/beyond-basics/296880-35mm-50mm-crop-sensor-much-different.html

I believe the effect that you intended is to blur the background while focusing on your subject. The "kit lens" will do that, but to a lesser degree than the 35 at f1.8. However, if you want to blur the background with the "kit lens", have lots more separation between your subject and the background. IOW, ask hubby to stand in the middle of the yard, not near a tree.

Good luck!