First time shooting portraits - C&C por favor?

[Lovelace]

Hey, just did a shoot with my sister. It's the first time I've ever taken portraits or done anything with a model, so I'd love any pointers, feedback, etc. I definitely want to do more with other models, so tips for future reference would also be nice. Thanks in advance.

http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i378/Lovelace_Anthem/Angel.jpg

http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i378/Lovelace_Anthem/Pride2.jpg

http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i378/Lovelace_Anthem/v3.jpg

http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i378/Lovelace_Anthem/Sissy2.jpg

http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i378/Lovelace_Anthem/Baby.jpg

 

[marmots]

Hey, just did a shoot with my sister. It's the first time I've ever taken portraits or done anything with a model, so I'd love any pointers, feedback, etc. I definitely want to do more with other models, so tips for future reference would also be nice. Thanks in advance.

first off, post pictures not links
shoot vertically, there's a reason its called portrait orientation
dont use cheap filters like in the first two
dont cut off any part of them
generally the negative space of the image should be in the direction that they are staring
try to use fill light to brighten the eyes, even if just a reflector, like white foam core
and just read up on general portrait composition

 

[Lovelace]

first off, post pictures not links
shoot vertically, there's a reason its called portrait orientation
dont use cheap filters like in the first two
dont cut off any part of them
generally the negative space of the image should be in the direction that they are staring
try to use fill light to brighten the eyes, even if just a reflector, like white foam core
and just read up on general portrait composition

1. I find it easier to use links. I'd rather people could see the full view pictures than the compressed, re-sized images.
2. Will do. I'll remember that.
3. Cheap filters? I just edited the curves in photoshop and then added a vignette to the second one. Why does that look cheap?
4. Why not? Isn't cropping necessary in some cases?
5. Thanks for the tip. What about when they're staring straight ahead? Should I limit the amount of negative space in those pictures?
6. Hmm, I've never used a reflector, but I'll look into that. Just regular white foam will work?
7. Been doing that, but it helps to get some critique. Have to know where my weak points are before I can improve upon them.

Anyway, thanks for the advice.

 

[marmots]

#3 it looks like you were going for that old fashion look
#4 what i meant was only cut off where appropriate (waist, chest, stomach) not places like the head
#1 people genrally won't reply to your post on here if t=you only post links... they dont care what you find easier, and if they want full size they can easily get the image url, but genrally they can see the flaws just fine

 

[Bitter Jeweler]

1. I find it easier to use links. I'd rather people could see the full view pictures than the compressed, re-sized images.

Sure its easier for YOU. But many people won't bother with links. It's easier for US to view and critique an image that's in the thread. If you want free help, do the leg work.

 

[patrickdio]

The second one is probably the better of the bunch.
I think you need to work more on angle and cropping

 

[Lovelace]

Well, I guess I'll just have to change it. It's not so much that I'm too lazy to do the work, but that I hate seeing them compressed. But I suppose I'll just assume that people know how to get the direct link themselves, or post it beneath the actual pictures.