How do you get portriat looking pictures?

[KmH]

I am so hesitant to post on threads here at TPF as there are so many trolling threads.... specially from low count posters

I mean, someone invests money for a 5D2, a 24-70 (so what, $4500?) and doesn't know how to use them or even the basics?

There are people out there to whom $4500 is no more than pocket change.

 

[kundalini]

I'm just not satisfied with the pics I am getting. Anybody have any tips?

Hi vivkie. Welcome to TPF.

You won't be able to embed photos or links until you amass a minimum of 5 posts. So in the meantime, can you describe what issues are your most frustrating? Is it focus, off colors, blurred, etc?

 

[Davor]

I am so hesitant to post on threads here at TPF as there are so many trolling threads.... specially from low count posters

I mean, someone invests money for a 5D2, a 24-70 (so what, $4500?) and doesn't know how to use them or even the basics?

There are people out there to whom $4500 is no more than pocket change.

Wishes me would be one of them, but its true. Now DSLR's are a trend and more and more are buying instead of P&S so if you got the money why not.

 

[vickie.james]

I'm just not satisfied with the pics I am getting. Anybody have any tips?

Hi vivkie. Welcome to TPF.

You won't be able to embed photos or links until you amass a minimum of 5 posts. So in the meantime, can you describe what issues are your most frustrating? Is it focus, off colors, blurred, etc?

I am just not getting the sharp pictures that I want. I have Photoshop CS5 and lightroom 3 that I use to edit. I shoot in raw.

 

[Ginu]

I don't want to upset anyone, but this smells like a troll...

Regardless shooting in raw and editing with CS5 will not give you crisp pictures, you would need to learn on how to use the triangle of ISO vs Aperture vs Shutter Speed and obviously the most important of all LIGHT. You need to learn how to use the equipment.
Watch this video.



$4500 equipment does not guarantee perfect shots.

 

[Opher]

I am so hesitant to post on threads here at TPF as there are so many trolling threads.... specially from low count posters

I mean, someone invests money for a 5D2, a 24-70 (so what, $4500?) and doesn't know how to use them or even the basics?

There are people out there to whom $4500 is no more than pocket change.

Sir may i have some change plz? Lol can some one connect me with those people. Im a dirt poor student

EDIT: pay no attention to my 5D MKII :blushing:

 

[bigtwinky]

I learned from the best that you just rotate your camera 90 degree that will give you "portrait" orientation.

Learn to read man.. OP is asking about portriat... not portrait.

 

[vickie.james]

Shoot in manual. Get good light. Know what youre doing.

Reader'd Digest version, but that's it in a nutshell.

Try here..... The Rules Of Good Portraiture

That should help a bit.

Thanks! I will definately check this out.

 

[vickie.james]

Thanks to the ones that gave me advice, I REALLY appreciate it. I plan to work on the tips that you gave me. To those who didn't, sorry I was a bother to you, but I thought this said it was for "Beginners". As far as the camera and lens goes, I do have a really good full time job. Photography is my passion and I have a drive to be good at what I do. And by the way, I am not a perfect typist, so I do make errors, like everyone else in the world.

 

[kundalini]

Thanks to the ones that gave me advice, I REALLY appreciate it. I plan to work on the tips that you gave me. To those who didn't, sorry I was a bother to you, but I thought this said it was for "Beginners". As far as the camera and lens goes, I do have a really good full time job. Photography is my passion and I have a drive to be good at what I do. And by the way, I am not a perfect typist, so I do make errors, like everyone else in the world.

This confirms my gut reaction thatyour post was legit. It htink someone mentioned earlier about the Exposure Triangle (if not, don't worry..... UNC just beat NC State and I've had a celebratory drink or six). The Exposure Triangle is Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO. I'm surprised it hasn't beem mentioned yet, but one of the best and most recommended learner books is Bryan Peterson's Understanding Exposure. It really is a good read. Without examples, the diagnosis is only hypothetical, but chances are that is is in the triangle........ or your Canon focus system. (I've heard that it is lacking compared to Nikon..... )

 

[kundalini]

BTW......... you previous posters........ your behavior is untoward.

 

[vickie.james]

Thanks to the ones that gave me advice, I REALLY appreciate it. I plan to work on the tips that you gave me. To those who didn't, sorry I was a bother to you, but I thought this said it was for "Beginners". As far as the camera and lens goes, I do have a really good full time job. Photography is my passion and I have a drive to be good at what I do. And by the way, I am not a perfect typist, so I do make errors, like everyone else in the world.

This confirms my gut reaction thatyour post was legit. It htink someone mentioned earlier about the Exposure Triangle (if not, don't worry..... UNC just beat NC State and I've had a celebratory drink or six). The Exposure Triangle is Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO. I'm surprised it hasn't beem mentioned yet, but one of the best and most recommended learner books is Bryan Peterson's Understanding Exposure. It really is a good read. Without examples, the diagnosis is only hypothetical, but chances are that is is in the triangle........ or your Canon focus system. (I've heard that it is lacking compared to Nikon..... )

Thank you.... I am going to go buy me a copy of that book. Sometimes I think I am too hard on myself. I get compliments on my pictures, but I just feel like they are missing something.

 

[kundalini]

Being your own worst crtitc is positively the best way to discern and completely frustrate yourself. Now that you have surpassed 5 posts, load ém up. But hold on to your hat cause that floodgates will be opened.

 

[Juice]

Trade me cameras, mine has all of the nub settings that I don't use. I think it would be best for both of us.

 

[chammer]

kundalini: As usual, you rock. Perfect answers and attitude.

vickie.james: Regardless of what the naysayers have said, which is most likely jealousy, you happen to have one of the portrait cameras on the market coupled with one of the most commonly used lenses for studio/modeling work. It should comfort you that you've made a very nice investment that you will not outgrow any time soon. Learning to put it to proper use only requires your love for photography which you have expressed, and good old fashioned practice. Try to learn something every time you shoot, and regardless of what some of the negative people on here may say, please do try and post often which pictures included. It's a great way to gain experience and knowledge as we cant always judge or see the finer details of our own images always. There are a ton of great people on this forum who shoot both professionally or seriously, and have many years of experience behind the words they speak.