Portrait for C+C

[ErinP709]

I feel like I could have framed it better, but I am not sure how.

 

[MTVision]

What an adorable little girl. Can't get over that expression!

I'll give a real critique once I get on my computer

 

[tirediron]

C&C per req: A cute shot, with huge blackmail potential when she's older. It's a little closely cropped for my taste (note her left elbow is almost cropped off) and it really needed some supplemental light; her eyes are very dark and lifeless.

Just my $00.02 worth - your mileage may vary.

~John

 

[SabrinaO]

I feel like I could have framed it better, but I am not sure how.

You need some light in her eyes. A fill flash or a reflector would have helped. I don't know about the crop... but shes an adorable little girl!

 

[leixialong]

I would agree with what the other two posters said. A looser crop and some reflector or supplemental lighting flash off camera would have done wonders to this frumpy cute little girl and maybe just maybe a slightly more interesting backdrop??

 

[ErinP709]

Thanks everyone! The lighting is definitely the problem - I hate it when I can't get the sparkle in their eyes.

I have problems with framing when using the prime lens - something I have to work on.

 

[leixialong]

Use your feet

 

[ErinP709]

Haha...I"ll try that!!

 

[pixilstudio]

i agree lighting is a little off

 

[bennielou]

Erin, what program do you use for processing. This photo is very easily fixable. It's adorable, but just has an issue with flatness, and a tad bit of crop.

 

[RichardsTPF]

I am a newbei. I learn a lot from your feedback.
Looks like flatness is one of the most common challenges on portrait. Is it caused by the direct light in the front of the subject? To avoid flatness, the light from different angle might help?

 

[bennielou]

I am a newbei. I learn a lot from your feedback.
Looks like flatness is one of the most common challenges on portrait. Is it caused by the direct light in the front of the subject? To avoid flatness, the light from different angle might help?

I learn alot from all the feedback here too.
Flatness IS a common problem, and there is only on way to fix it that I know of: learning light. You don't HAVE to have fancy big lights. (Having big lights definately makes it easier). Just shoot a lot in different kinds of light. (shadow, backlight, rim light, full blast sunshine.....all provided by the sun).

Flat lighting is kinda boring, and well...flat looking. And yes, it is caused by EVEN lighting. You want UNEVEN lighting if you want to produced shadows, and depth. The challenge is, how to find that light. And unfortunately it is something that can't be explained, but has to be experienced first hand.

If you practice alot, you will be able to "see" this light after a while. It will come as second nature.

 

[ErinP709]

I am using PSE9. I have CS5 but won't be installing it until I start the course in a few weeks - I am kind of afarid of it right now.