My first ever "formal" photo shoot

[Dubaiian]

Hello Everyone,

I have no aspirations whatsoever to become a pro, but my son asked me if I would photograph his team for their new website as he did not want someone doing it with a P&S with expected results. I would be really grateful to hear what you think of these. My resources were very limited as I had to shoot in their cramped offices with only one Speedlight on a stand with an umbrella and one speedlight on camera. Any comments on things I got wrong and where I could improve next time if the opportunity arises.

Many thanks in advance.
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[Sw1tchFX]

Shadows right behind them..shadows across their faces..looks like they were shot with a point and shoot.

 

[cgipson1]

#1 and #2.. subject needs to be farther away from the background! See the shadow behind them camera right? Lighting looks decent.. good definition on facial features. #2 might be a bit bright... but not bad. Was #2 underexposed and brought up in post? It looks like it needs a bit more contrast.

#3 a different angle would have removed that unflattering reflection of that one guy's gut. Asking them to smile is usually a positive thing also.. right now they all look like they don't want to be there, and don't like you at all! lol! Lighting is a little too contrasty... but reasonable.

#4 also low on contrast... and looks a little soft. Skin tones look good though....

 

[rexbobcat]

I do have to agree. The shadows are in all the wrong places in these photos. XP

 

[Dubaiian]

#1 and #2.. subject needs to be farther away from the background! See the shadow behind them camera right? Lighting looks decent.. good definition on facial features. #2 might be a bit bright... but not bad. Was #2 underexposed and brought up in post? It looks like it needs a bit more contrast.

#3 a different angle would have removed that unflattering reflection of that one guy's gut. Asking them to smile is usually a positive thing also.. right now they all look like they don't want to be there, and don't like you at all! lol! Lighting is a little too contrasty... but reasonable.


#4 also low on contrast... and looks a little soft. Skin tones look good though....

Thanks very much for the constructive critiscm. As I mentioned in the original post, I had very little space. The subjects were against one wall and my back was to the other. Experience learnt - if its not workable, dont do it.

Absolutely correct on the exposure change in #2, I had to up it in LR4. I have now upped the contrast in 2 and 4 - does it work better??

The light in #3 was awful (11am in the Middle East Sun) , but these guys insisted on having a snap in front of the office sign and as Co drivers they were only there for 45 minutes. I really don't know how I could have improved it other than not taking it at all :-(

Thanks very much for the advice on moving them away from the background to avoid the shadows, I thought that I had the light in the wrong place.

Overall some large lessons learnt, and thanks for helping me on my journey.

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[MLeeK]

the chop off of the hands/arms is a killer. Big killer. The shot with the sign is just a snapshot. Bad angle, bad chops, bad shadows.