Studio Portraits C&C Please

[Tulsa]

Few pictures I would like c&c. My strong suit is not studio and portraits, but I am working on it... Had some friends stop by today to be test dummies. The last two I just wanted to try something different.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

 

[sobolik]

Get down to their level. Imagine when looking at your photos (# 1.2.5 and 7) if you had been 1-4 feet below their eye level. The result is extremely different impact, punch and pizazz. Most don't bothering getting low as a result low grabs more attention while high is normal been there common. Otherwise they are quite nice.

 

[deebert]

My favorite pose is #3 with the kids eyes both looking different directions.

But all of the pictures are somewhat soft. I also don't like what you've done with the last 2 - they are just kind of "blah" (7 moreso than 8)

 

[Bitter Jeweler]

But all of the pictures are somewhat soft.

Ditto.

 

[Tulsa]

Get down to their level. Imagine when looking at your photos (# 1.2.5 and 7) if you had been 1-4 feet below their eye level. The result is extremely different impact, punch and pizazz. Most don't bothering getting low as a result low grabs more attention while high is normal been there common. Otherwise they are quite nice.

Other than number 1, cannot get much lower. Any lower I would be looking up at them from the floor.

Thanks guys for the feedback, I get the soft too, been having saving issues, I think I overcomensated in editing, will rework them.

 

[RobNZ]

Tulsa, your exif data reads that all images were shot at f/1.8 with a 50mm, which would typically lead to a softer image (Canon 50mm 1.8 is fairly soft wide open) and an extremely shallow DoF depending on closest focus distance of course.

 

[Tulsa]

Thanks, This is really the best lens I have right now for portraits, would bumping it up a stop or two relieve the softness?

 

[SageMark]

Tulsa, your exif data reads that all images were shot at f/1.8 with a 50mm, which would typically lead to a softer image (Canon 50mm 1.8 is fairly soft wide open) and an extremely shallow DoF depending on closest focus distance of course.

He's right. It's all been said, except I don't think it's so much as "a been there done that", when it comes to a photo being taken of a child above the eyeline. It's such a dominate shooting position, it really takes away from young client subjects and what they project.

 

[Tulsa]

Tulsa, your exif data reads that all images were shot at f/1.8 with a 50mm, which would typically lead to a softer image (Canon 50mm 1.8 is fairly soft wide open) and an extremely shallow DoF depending on closest focus distance of course.

He's right. It's all been said, except I don't think it's so much as "a been there done that", when it comes to a photo being taken of a child above the eyeline. It's such a dominate shooting position, it really takes away from young client subjects and what they project.

Say what????

 

[JasonLambert]

Thanks, This is really the best lens I have right now for portraits, would bumping it up a stop or two relieve the softness?

YES! When shooting portraits I try to stay around 2.8 or better. If you are shooting more than one person you'll want even more to ensure that you are going to get everyones eyes. A portrait, unless being artistic, should have your subject sharp from nose to the back of the head.

I agree, you could use a little less post work. If you are using Photoshop, a little tip for sharpening (not saving) an image is this.

Copy your image to a new layer > Set the blend mode to Overlay > Click Filter > High Pass > Set the radius at about 1.5 - 1.8 > click ok

The image should be much sharper... Be sure to sharpen image post crop!

Hope this helps!

Jason Lambert
www.JasonLambertPhotography.com

 

[Dominantly]

Some issues like mentioned above include softness, white balance, and shadow outlines. Also the PP is a bit rough.

 

[Tulsa]

Copy your image to a new layer > Set the blend mode to Overlay > Click Filter > High Pass > Set the radius at about 1.5 - 1.8 > click ok
http://www.jasonlambertphotography.com

Will try it, where do I change the blend mode? I know I have seen it, but cannot find it.

 

[Bitter Jeweler]

Drop down box at the top of the layers pallette.

 

[SageMark]

Your right, I had 2 browsers open and refered to another photo. Seriously, an honest mistake. I caught his comment, and was bouncing back and forth, then posted. I mean, clearly, what I described is not present in your photos, none of them. Sorry man.:er:

Tulsa, your exif data reads that all images were shot at f/1.8 with a 50mm, which would typically lead to a softer image (Canon 50mm 1.8 is fairly soft wide open) and an extremely shallow DoF depending on closest focus distance of course.

He's right. It's all been said, except I don't think it's so much as "a been there done that", when it comes to a photo being taken of a child above the eyeline. It's such a dominate shooting position, it really takes away from young client subjects and what they project.

Say what????

 

[Tulsa]

Drop down box at the top of the layers pallette.

Thanks, thats where I saw it, still getting familiarized.

However when I follow those directions, I get, Could not complete, selected area is empty.