My first attempt at portrait photography.. C&C welcomed

FireStorm · Feb 26, 2013

I posted an ad on Craigslist looking to find some subjects willing to be photographed for free so I could learn and improve my portrait photography as I look for my 'niche'. (I just got into photography and I've been trying all kinds to see what I like the most and where I might fit more natural). So I welcome any and all constructive criticism, which I am sure there is plenty. It's the best way to learn, though. (Encouragement is nice to hear, too!) I shot these all in Aperture Priority mode and didn't really leave the comfort of 5.6 as you can tell. Thanks for checking it out!

I have a lot of shots that I ended up liking, but I'll just post a few for now.

1.

ISO 200 f/5.6 1/500 at 41mm

2.

ISO 400 f/5.6 1/1600 at 35mm

3.

ISO 400 f/5.6 1/1600 at 51mm

4.

ISO 200 f/5.6 1/800 at 28mm

5.

ISO 200 f/5.6 1/400 at 55mm

6.

ISO 200 f/5.6 1/500 at 18mm

The_Traveler · Feb 26, 2013

The pictures aren't bad but there are two basic weaknesses, IMO.
First the subject is totally uninvolved, his face is lifeless and the same in every picture.
Second, he is dark=skinned and placed against a light background and that makes a good exposure and portrait rather difficult. His face is low contrast and could be edited a bit.
(and remove some of the blemishes)

FireStorm · Feb 26, 2013

Do you have any tips on how to make him less 'lifeless'? I tried everything from cracking jokes, to basic conversation... when i finally got him to smile or laugh, it didn't sit right. Is it possible that it's just the model? or is there something I can do as a photographer to bring more out of him? I'll attach some of the better ones of him making expressions, but for the most part, they didn't feel natural...

The_Traveler · Feb 26, 2013

FireStorm said:
Do you have any tips on how to make him less 'lifeless'? I tried everything from cracking jokes, to basic conversation... when i finally got him to smile or laugh, it didn't sit right. Is it possible that it's just the model? or is there something I can do as a photographer to bring more out of him? I'll attach some of the better ones of him making expressions, but for the most part, they didn't feel natural...

I mostly just talk and try to get them in different positions to find the best look for them. Most of the shots of him you've done are with the head thrust forward and the neck hidden.
I would try more variety in his stance.

jwbryson1 · Feb 26, 2013

FireStorm said:
Do you have any tips on how to make him less 'lifeless'?

Pull his head out of the water and the second you do...SNAP THE SHOT! His expression will be priceless!

FireStorm · Feb 26, 2013

The_Traveler said:
I mostly just talk and try to get them in different positions to find the best look for them. Most of the shots of him you've done are with the head thrust forward and the neck hidden.
I would try more variety in his stance.

Thanks for the suggestions. I will keep that in mind on my next attempt.