Portraits For Critique Pls

littlenomad · Apr 29, 2014

Here's just 4 recent pics for fashion (apart from the guy)...hope that's not too many?

Appreciate any thoughts. Thank you so much!

1

and the uncropped version for reference:

2

3

3b Or in Colour:

4

Austin Greene · Apr 29, 2014

A few tips:

1. If you want critique, solid critique, post two images at most. Number them.
2. Proof-read your post, you mention 4 images, then you posted 6.
3. If you want even better critique, post what lenses and settings were used for each image.

I can't give full critique on all these, there's simply too many, but that said I'd suggest you watch for blowing out those highlights.

Braineack · Apr 29, 2014

are you crazy? I suggest he posts more of this subject.

BrickHouse · Apr 29, 2014

I am having an extremely difficult time critiquing this image. This gal is gorgeous!! If I pry myself away from her eyes for a second, I think there are some hot spots on her face that could use some burning down.

cynicaster · Apr 29, 2014

Poses look a little stiff to me.
Blown detail in the face in most of them.
She looks much better without the beard.

tirediron · Apr 29, 2014

First and second have major exposure issues; the right hand side (image left) of her face is nearly blown; fill light was needed to reduce the dynamic range and preserve some detail in her skin. The guy leaning against the van(?) is okay exposure-wise, but the lighting is flat, and in a word, boring. The next has potential; much better lighting, but you've got some sort of white line growing out of the top of her head, her necklace is askew, and she appears to be leaning slightly. The last one would have been much better with some fil light, and the 'square on to the camera' 'football shoulders' look is almost never flattering and certainly isn't in this case. If nothing else, go for the fail-safe formula; short lighting, bod turned 30 degrees toward the light, looking at the camera, weight on the back leg.

jenko · Apr 29, 2014

The only one that really works for me as "fashion" is the last shot. It's not high fashion, but it does have that catalogue style.

littlenomad · Apr 29, 2014

There are 4 images, just that 2 show alternatives (crop and black & white) for reference.

The images are for a glove catalog and a fashion label catalog (apart from the guy), hence not hugely creative as I need to mostly make sure the clothing item can be seen well. All shot with a Canon 5d and 17-55mm lense @ 2.8f .

I think I just wanted to know whether I am roughly on the right track? The other day I came across a shocking local photographer who had the catch phrase "I believe you can't be taught Photography, you either have the eye for it or you don't. I believe I do. I learn as I go." The photography was painfully awful to say the least and I think I'm scared of looking like a similar idiot who is making that poor camera suffer....I have no idea whether my work is ok apart from the issues mentioned above or if I'm in the same camp as this photographer. Blush!

Is this is a little better for the guy? I agree he needs a little more sunshine!

Designer · Apr 29, 2014

Four images to get any worth-while critique is pushing it, but six is too many.

#1&2 over-exposed on the hot side, too much difference in lighting for most fashion shots.

#3 lighting very flat

#4&5 distracting background, shadows on face, monochrome version WAY too stark

#6 Odd pose, poor choice of lighting, distracting background

I think we all "learn as we go", so keep on going and learning.

JerryVenz · Apr 29, 2014

When doing this type of photography you MUST always keep in mind: What are you selling?

The lighting on the product must be great--do not blow-it-out as in #1 and #2.

I don't allow midday direct sunlight to fall on my subjects--EVER!

I like image #3b--it shows off the product very well!

In the last image you did not blow-out the clothes but they're just hanging there and her pose flat-footed and flat to the camera is rarely attractive.
I usually turn my models--side to side--to get the clothes moving gettting some action images. I often have them spin, as well!

If the model looks like she's having fun wearing the product it will sell the product...

agp · Apr 29, 2014

Would you mind asking the first lady who makes that sweater? Some significant person in my life really wants one like that

littlenomad · Apr 29, 2014

Actually, that's our clothing label - here Tava & Talikins - NZ Made Fashion - Dresses, Skirts, Tops & More and it will be available in 3 weeks or so....pure NZ merino. :sexywink:

I started doing our photography for the label after various photographers just fell flat on top of the massive prices they charged.
Sometimes I still doubt that decision! I'm definitely not one of those people that thinks she's a crash hot photographer, I often don't touch my camera for weeks because I doubt myself too much and wonder if I'm making a complete fool of myself. Which of course doesn't improve my photography!!
Thanks, I'll try the idea of getting some movement, good point. I really struggled to get into any rhythm with this shoot and as I was trying to incorporate flash into some of the early images got myself confused.