practicing portraits, feedback needed.

[julianliu]

In regards the first one.

He is almost swallowed up by the background. There is lots and its bright.
In regards the subject, his suit is dark so pretty much what stands out is his shirt and the horm.
I would suppress the background, lighten his suit so he actually becomes more visible and crop it to make him larger in the frame.

I agree the cropping makes it better, thanks, Lew!

 

[The_Traveler]

In regards the first one.

He is almost swallowed up by the background. There is lots and its bright.
In regards the subject, his suit is dark so pretty much what stands out is his shirt and the horm.
I would suppress the background, lighten his suit so he actually becomes more visible and crop it to make him larger in the frame.

I agree the cropping makes it better, thanks, Lew!

Not just the crop.
I darkened and defocussed the bright part of the background
reduced contrast of the subject, lightened his suit, increased saturation on him and warmed him a tad - all that so he would stand out from the background without looking like he was pasted on.

 

[julianliu]

Not just the crop. I darkened and defocussed the bright part of the background reduced contrast of the subject, lightened his suit, increased saturation on him and warmed him a tad - all that so he would stand out from the background without looking like he was pasted on.

When I go back I do see you blurred the background a lot more. I think after comments by you guys I am more conscious about all these detail now. Thanks.

 

[The_Traveler]

Not just the crop. I darkened and defocussed the bright part of the background reduced contrast of the subject, lightened his suit, increased saturation on him and warmed him a tad - all that so he would stand out from the background without looking like he was pasted on.

When I go back I do see you blurred the background a lot more. I think after comments by you guys I am more conscious about all these detail now. Thanks.

The crucial point you made is that you have to ask yourself what specific items keep you from looking at the center of interest, from seeing the picture as the maker intended?
Viewers respond in a very atavistic, primitive level. Their eyes are attracted to bright, contrasty, in focus elements.
If this conflicts with the higher level intent to look at something, to parse the meaning of the picture, then the overall impact suffers.

You are looking at the pictures with a higher level intent because you are concentrating on it.
Just 'experience' the picture without preconceptions - like a new viewer would, read your response and then correct the picture elements so that the 'experienced' response is what you want.
Consider what distracts from your points of interest, knowing that bright things, contrasty things and things in sharp focus attract the eye.
All the elements should be prominent according to their importance and should support the center of interest not distract from it.

 

[frommrstomommy]

View attachment 68132

I would cross legs opposite.. so you're not creating this little area to peek up her dress. lol