My first photoshoot, I need C&C please

[LuckySe7en]

This was my first photoshoot ever so keep that in mind. Here are a few pics. Let me know what I need to work on.
Pics were taken with Canon XS and Kit. yea i know, blah lol but thats all I have for now. Thanks
1

2

3

4

 

[LuckySe7en]

bump, sorry im anxious to get tpf's opinion

 

[Brinr]

Good photos actually for the equipment.

The first one has some kind of funny blue cast or strange processing plus the background is distracting, her expression is unatural and awkward. Background highlights are distracting as well. Keep the most lit area on your model.

In a 3/4 portrait like #2 its much more flattering to include the entirety of both eyes instead of showing a sliver of the farther eye. Go with a full 3/4 or a complete profile view. Use the liquify tool and fix the double chin. Expression is much better.

The kid in the hat is absolutely fantastic... great expression, background, and lighting.

Last one, strange vignette and watch your highlights, they are blowing out.

More shallow DOF, get a little more expressive with your light and you're on your way to some good things. Look into some new posing strategies and keep shooting.

 

[LuckySe7en]

Thank you very much. I appreciate the feedback. Is it the tree in #1?

 

[Oilersrock]

What is the kit lens? Is it just me, or is there a lot of vignetting? I'm assuming that's the lens, and you're not adding that in after the fact. I like #3 the best. #1 I dislike the most. I don't like the composition, and it feels way too forced. That may just be my style - I much prefer candid, or candid-feeling shots. I'm not too big on the forced traditional poses. I think I would like #4 even more without the added white/foggy vignetting.

 

[Brinr]

Thank you very much. I appreciate the feedback. Is it the tree in #1?

It's kind of all the trees, the stumps are coming out of her arms they don't "frame" your subject, they're too in focus and the little highlights right under the leaves take your eye away from the subject.

 

[LuckySe7en]

What is the kit lens? Is it just me, or is there a lot of vignetting? I'm assuming that's the lens, and you're not adding that in after the fact. I like #3 the best. #1 I dislike the most. I don't like the composition, and it feels way too forced. That may just be my style - I much prefer candid, or candid-feeling shots. I'm not too big on the forced traditional poses. I think I would like #4 even more without the added white/foggy vignetting.

I'm with you on #1. I love the candid shots as well. They wanted a traditional pose for her event. (they didnt even go with that one anyhow) kit lens is 18-55. I added the vignetting, I thought it added to the pic, maybe I'm just addicted to it.

 

[LuckySe7en]

Thank you very much. I appreciate the feedback. Is it the tree in #1?

It's kind of all the trees, the stumps are coming out of her arms they don't "frame" your subject, they're too in focus and the little highlights right under the leaves take your eye away from the subject.

much appreciated. next time i'l find a more suitable background.

 

[Oilersrock]

Thank you very much. I appreciate the feedback. Is it the tree in #1?

It's kind of all the trees, the stumps are coming out of her arms they don't "frame" your subject, they're too in focus and the little highlights right under the leaves take your eye away from the subject.

much appreciated. next time i'l find a more suitable background.

I think the background is okay, its just how you use. If you use the trees to frame your subject, and expose more for your subject, and maybe open up the aperture - or some other such effect to help your subject dominate the shot better.