My First Senior Portraits.. Thoughts?

[D-B-J]

So I shot my first senior portraits today. I learned a few things--I'm gradually liking portrait photography more and more with every shoot, lighting is always tricky but I love the challenge, and I NEED stronger stands and more weights.. both umbrella's toppled today...

But anyway, we had a lot of fun. He was super photogenic, and that made the shoot really enjoyable. Here's one to start with, and I'll add a few more as I edit them.


The main reason for the shoot in the first place:
The Graduate by f_one_eight, on Flickr


The Goaltender by f_one_eight, on Flickr

Luis by f_one_eight, on Flickr


Cheers!
Jake

 

[CdTSnap]

Well lit, the background is slightly distracting to me, not sure if thats just me or not? But cool

 

[D-B-J]

Well lit, the background is slightly distracting to me, not sure if thats just me or not? But cool

I agree. That's really my only complaint with this set. I wish we could have waited a bit longer so there were more tree's in bloom. And maybe I should have shot at a lower f-stop, but oh well.
Cheers!
Jake

 

[D-B-J]

Added two more to the original post.

 

[crimbfighter]

I like 2 & 3 the best. As for the backgrounds, they are a little distracting, but I don't know how much say you had in where these took place. Sometimes you just have to work with the space you have.. I like the contrast between the formal outfit and the casual/sports setting in 2, and I like the "sports portrait" feel of 3. I do wish there was a bit more difference between your key and fill lights (assuming you were using a 2 light setup) in 3. I can't say the light looks flat, but I feel like if your fill was three quarters of a stop of so darker, it would have added more dimension to him in 3. Anyway, just my thoughts.

 

[manicmike]

That dude is entirely too good looking.

 

[D-B-J]

I like 2 & 3 the best. As for the backgrounds, they are a little distracting, but I don't know how much say you had in where these took place. Sometimes you just have to work with the space you have.. I like the contrast between the formal outfit and the casual/sports setting in 2, and I like the "sports portrait" feel of 3. I do wish there was a bit more difference between your key and fill lights (assuming you were using a 2 light setup) in 3. I can't say the light looks flat, but I feel like if your fill was three quarters of a stop of so darker, it would have added more dimension to him in 3. Anyway, just my thoughts.

I was in fact. I had a 60" parabolic umbrella camera left with two SB600's at 1/2? power, and a reflective silver 33" umbrella as fill. I do agree that the third is slightly.. flat. Thank you for your input! I'll keep that in mind next time. I'm still trying to figure out how to balance main and fill. As for the setting, we were limited to on campus (it's finals week and there isn't a lot of time in either of our schedules), so we shot on the soccer field. It's not perfect, nor is it an ideal time of year, but I did with it what I could.

Cheers!
Jake

 

[D-B-J]

That dude is entirely too good looking.

He was, to date, the most photogenic client I've had. After every snap of the shutter he moved slightly, changed his smile, etc. I barely even had to pose him. It was all so... natural. Definitely a blast to photograph, and a good kid.

Cheers!
Jake

 

[tirediron]

Good series, good lighting.

 

[D-B-J]

Good series, good lighting.

Thank you John!

 

[CdTSnap]

2 is my favorite. The only issue with one is that you've done so well lighting the subject that it looks imposed on the background lol

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[D-B-J]

2 is my favorite. The only issue with one is that you've done so well lighting the subject that it looks imposed on the background lol

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Haha my father said the same thing! Is that bad..?

 

[CdTSnap]

2 is my favorite. The only issue with one is that you've done so well lighting the subject that it looks imposed on the background lol

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Haha my father said the same thing! Is that bad..?

I duno lol maybe?? Just change the background next time haha

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[frommrstomommy]

#3 is the favorite here for me. I'd like two if he were in his soccer gear for it.. it doesn't make sense to me.

 

[D-B-J]

#3 is the favorite here for me. I'd like two if he were in his soccer gear for it.. it doesn't make sense to me.

I can see where you're coming from. Thanks!

Jake


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