portfolio building e-session C&C please

[NateWagner]

I have recently become friends with an engaged couple, and, as I am trying to build my portfolio I offered to take their engagement photos for free. I would like to begin charging for my work soon, and I want to know what to work on before I start doing so. Here are some shots from the session (they are actually two sessions cause the first it started pouring about 30 minutes in)

I apologize for these being relatively small. I don't like how flickr sizes things, so it was either this or something much too large.

1.)

2.)

3.)

4.)

5.) (I like this kind of pose...)

6.)

7.)

8.)

9.)

10.) (a more engagement type photo I suppose... I'm not sure about the shadows on this one)

11.)

12.)

There are quite a few more... but I know that I have a short attention span, so I will cut it off here.

They were a bit of a challenge to do because they were both very awkward in front of the camera. I worked hard to make things seem more natural, but I know that is something I need to improve on.

comments and critiques would be appreciated.

 

[kellylindseyphotography]

Looks like you have a good grasp of exposure, posing ideas, and photoshop. 2 is my fave.

 

[NateWagner]

Thanks for the feedback Kelly, I have been working rather hard on those elements so I'm glad to hear it's paying off. I know some of my shots are pretty standard, but I figure a lot of customers would want that sort of thing.

 

[tirediron]

I have to agree with Kelly, well done.

 

[NateWagner]

thank you very much.

 

[rein]

what gear did you use. i love the shots. good luck!

 

[NateWagner]

umm, my gear is a rebel XT, a Sigma 18-50mm 2.8, a Sigma 70-200mm 2.8 and a canon 430EX (I'm still very much learning on the strobe so I don't use that on a lot of my shots)

I also use lightroom and cs2 for PP

 

[Trenton Romulox]

Nate, you have a good series here. The standouts for me are #2 and #6. #7 was so close, but you cut off the back of the guy, which is a shame because I really loved the shadows aspect of the shot.

There are some exposure issues with #5 and #8, but they don't really kill the shots; in fact, you could make the case that the highlights add to the shots, especially #5. I am not a big fan of the railroad shots, just because I think the tracks are such strong lines and they pull the viewer away from the people, which isn't great for portraiture, to me.

All of this being said, I think this is a solid series, and you did quite well. Just watch out for cutting people off a bit and for elements that draw the viewer's eye away from the subjects. But, again, good work!

 

[NateWagner]

yeah, I totally kicked myself for cutting him out there. I thought I had all of him in the photo, I just cut it a bit too tight.

I can see what you're saying about the exposure issues, but particularly on 8 it was relatively intentional. I mean if you're talking about the background being blown I intendended to do that, and then I accentuated it a bit in PP. #5 I was fighting a somewhat harsh sun, but I mostly like the shot anyway. And there is detail in almost all of his shirt.

I guess for the railroad tracks I see what you're saying as they do draw a great deal of attention. Although I do see your point, I really like them for engagement photos for the symbolism I see in them.

Thank you for your C&C I love to hear other peoples thoughts on the photos.

 

[visualpoetry]

Excellent work! Beautiful.
Although, 8 & 11 seam a bit soft.
If they were uncomfortable in front of the camera.. you sure can't tell from the photographs! Great job making everything look so natural.

 

[NateWagner]

you're right actually, 11 is a bit soft. I have a sharper version but I didn't like the angle with the hands and background as much. ARRGH, I hate not being able to reshoot stuff like that.

 

[visualpoetry]

Attempt sharpening it in your editing software.