Gorgeous Friend :) C&C if you would

kric2schaam626 · Aug 27, 2011

I went to a workshop a few weeks ago held by a local photographer who is absolutely fantastic at what he does. He is the most real, down to earth guy I've probably ever met. I learned so much at his class. It inspired to go out and shoot these photos of my friend today. I used my AB800 and softbox, so I am curious what you all think of the lighting and especially the composition. Any input appreciated, thanks.

tirediron · Aug 27, 2011

C&C per req: For single-light shots, these seem very nicely lit. If you can, I would suggest re-cropping to move her at least a little bit off-centre (and perhaps remove some of the empty space over her head in #1).

Bynx · Aug 27, 2011

Yes she is quite a looker. The outfit doesnt flatter her much. Makes her look pregnant. I think an outfit that fit the waist more and followed the line from the bustline to the waist would have looked better on her. I used Portraiture on her.

manaheim · Aug 27, 2011

That flower is seriously distracting and the tire seems very random. It seems like just an odd setup to me. Framing is a bit odd for me too.

DannyInMontana · Aug 27, 2011

Lighting looks great but the composition is flat. She's gorgeous and she needs to come "alive".

subscuck · Aug 28, 2011

+1 on the flower. It just keeps grabbing my eye, and it won't stop. Her face is much brighter than the rest of her body, and I find that a bit "off" visually, especially in #2.

HoboSyke · Aug 28, 2011

manaheim said:
That flower is seriously distracting and the tire seems very random. It seems like just an odd setup to me. Framing is a bit odd for me too.

Totally agree. Lose the flower and tyre and frame much tighter.

Big Mike · Aug 29, 2011

I agree with the previous posters. The composition of flower, tire and face in the first photo is a bit confusing. The flower especially, seems out of place. It's so bright that it takes the viewer's attention away from the model, who I assume is supposed to be the subject of the photo. Also, her face is practically in the centre of the frame, with too much dead space above her.

Lighting is nice in both shots.

Did you do any extra processing to her eyes? They have a great sparkle but they look too white/bright.

joealcantar · Aug 29, 2011

Believe I would have moved to get a 2/3 view of the face instead of straight on. 1st image would have moved to the left and 2nd image would have moved to right. When you have a subject in this position take time to move around they will follow with the eyes on their own most of the time and you may see a different look you want or like.
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Shoot well, Joe

kric2schaam626 · Aug 29, 2011

Ok, thanks everyone!
As far as the flower goes, I can see that it's distracting. The crop actually used to have a lot more in the picture, so I think I cropped it too quickly without thinking about what I was doing. As far as the second photo goes, I have been working on not cutting off limbs, so that was my goal for that picture. I am glad that the lighting turned out but I'll focus more on the posing/composition in the next round.

cgipson1 · Aug 29, 2011

Your friend has lovely eyes!

are they really that color?

kric2schaam626 · Aug 30, 2011

cgipson1 said:
Your friend has lovely eyes! are they really that color?

I sharpened them, but yes, they are very blue. I have known her forever and have heard many people ask her if they are contacts, but they are all natural