Getting into Portraits

[kevinstandage]

Thus far I've mostly shot landscapes, but have now got a decent portrait lens and have had a few practice goes on my father.

Any input would be greatly appreciated !

Thanks,
-Kevin.

 

[ceejtank]

If you're going to vignette / black out so much of the photo - eliminate the wide crop job and center the photo instead.

 

[Big Mike]

Welcome aboard.

Good portraits have good lighting and you certainly have that here. It's relatively soft, but you've used a very deep ratio so it's quite dramatic. The lighting direction is also quite dramatic (from the side), that shows the texture and character of your father's skin. Maybe not the most 'flattering' light, but it's much more interesting than plain, flattering light.

I agree with ceejtank, there is too much dark background (dead space)...it doesn't seem to be adding anything or helping the image. A closer crop (probably vertical) would make it better.

 

[kevinstandage]

Thanks for the comments ! This is just natural lighting from some patio doors, I'm a million miles away from any fancy lighting equipment ! The darkened background is because there was quite a lot of distraction out the back there, I did this on the spur of the moment in about 10 minutes just to play with the new glass.

I see what you mean about the off center nature of it, I think I may have learnt something tonight !

Appreciate all comments !
-Kevin.

 

[Karloz]

Nice shot - like your composition - perhaps little bit too dark around tpp left side of the head - tiny bit more detail perhaps - Excellent work though !

 

[DiskoJoe]

Id crop it to a portrait orientation but other then that its not too bad.