I really don't...

[Newtricks]

take many photographs of people, other than candid snapshots of family on occasion. While not my first attempt at portraiture, it is the first time I've taken a stab at it with anyone who is not family. I really like the lighting in these photos and would not want to change it, of them the first is my favorite. Still any advice on composition, lighting or technique would be greatly appreciated.

Be well,

Anthony

 

[Designer]

Just make yourself an inexpensive reflector and position it opposite the flash. You'll be amazed at the difference.

 

[The_Traveler]

tbh, I don't see any composition or technique. The guy is sitting facing the camera and you snapped a picture.

 

[amolitor]

I find the light rather odd myself, normally lights are positioned a little up rather than a little down.

The catchlights are rather small and slightly odd looking, probably due to very small lights. Is this on camera flash on low power triggering another strobe camera left? Some diffusors, improvised or otherwise, would give this shot a more pleasing look, I think. Right now it's sharp edged light with a moderately high ratio, but not high enough to be really DRAMATIC, which is usually where one goes with undiffused light.

 

[Newtricks]

Photo was taken using available light, no flash or other lights used.

 

[sashbar]

I think just some simple technique corrections are needed: put him further away from the wall, use larger apperture, so the background gets blurred, find the background that is contrasting to his dress. If you are using a single availabe side light, position him with a light reflective surface (like a white wall) on the other side. Turn his body a bit, so that he would not stand straight as a soldier. Ask him why he is sleeping with your wife and SHOOT !!!

 

[manaheim]

Well... to be honest, you said you like the lighting and wouldn't want to change it, but the lighting is really not great and needs quite a bit of work.

Also, the cabinets and stuff in the background are really not an ideal backdrop for the subject. Distracting and (I assume) unrelated.

 

[amolitor]

If you like the light, well, that's fine. Absent some sort of context or desired outcome, there's no such thing as correct light. If this was a corporate headshot, it would be binned. If it was a senior portrait, ditto. If it's just supposed to be a picture you like, well, nailed it!

The backgrounds is a good tip though. I also think the background is pretty distracting, and maybe you do as well.

 

[Newtricks]

I think just some simple technique corrections are needed: put him further away from the wall, use larger apperture, so the background gets blurred, find the background that is contrasting to his dress. If you are using a single availabe side light, position him with a light reflective surface (like a white wall) on the other side. Turn his body a bit, so that he would not stand straight as a soldier. Ask him why he is sleeping with your wife and SHOOT !!!

Thank you for the advice.

Be well,

Anthony

ps Because I'm sleeping with his wife.