Would love some critique

KaughtPhotography · Mar 31, 2011

Hi,
I am a beginning to take what was fun and interesting and putting the wheels in motion to turn it into a career. This is from my first official photoshoot. Please keep in mind that I am using a NIKON D3000 (in the market for a more professional/higher end camera, any suggestions will help there also). I also only used natural lighting and the stock 3x 18-55mm Zoom-NIKKOR VR lens.

On to the photos - These are three of my favorite shots from that day. Any info and critique you guys can give me will be amazing.
Thanks, ahead of time!

Krista
Kaught Photography

Fleacz · Mar 31, 2011

the first one seems a bit under exposed, but the photo it self seems pretty cool. the 2nd to be honest is my least favorite, you got your self a busy back ground. it may have been better if she posed or something. i think the 3rd photo is my favorite of the bunch, pretty creative composition. it seems like it is a bit desaturated, but it gives it a creative atmosphere. over all i think this is pretty good for your first photo shoot

just keep practicing

Trever1t · Mar 31, 2011

straight shooting...don't give up the dream but don't think it's that easy to "go pro" and you definitely need to work on your skills a ways.

Lose the terrible angles.
Lighting lighting lighting
Composition composition etc

Honestly I hope that you aren't offended, contrary I hope you keep working at it and do make a good profit but your images are no way near PRO as far as I'm concerned. Then again, many people do make $ regardless of my opinion

.

Derrel · Mar 31, 2011

Ohhhh, #3 is a near-miss...almost a great shot!!! So,so close! I love the dilapidated front porch, with the column and the peeling paint, the vintage-looking clothing and hairstyle, an attractive female, late afternoon/early evening slanting light...and then, some odd Dutch tilt to the frame...what a pity.

KeyWestPhotog · Mar 31, 2011

#1 is a terrible angle on this particular subject as it looks as if her head is almost to big for her body. Makes her look unproportional.

#2 would look great B&W, and done w/portrait crop

#3 good idea here, however you missed the mark on composition. get a tighter shot of her from the same angle, but keep the door on the left out of frame.

*** Shoot straight until you establish a name for yourself, then venture out into a signature "tilt" or whatever it is you feel you have a niche for, and your fans respect ***

--------- Just offering some short opinions, nothing personal --------

raphaelaaron · Apr 1, 2011

try and throw in some eye contact in your pictures. it helps make the viewer feel more personal to what's going on.

you have a good start so far, the people above gave some very good pointers. i would agree to lose the angles for this time.

mwcfarms · Apr 1, 2011

I agree with everything said so far. Angles are tricky and for some reason this weird Dutch tilt lol as Derrel calls is, is really really annoyingly popular right now it seems. Angled shots should be angled for a purpose or work with the flow of the image. The last one is a great shot that you ruined with the angle, go back in and see if you can straighten it. Because of the bunch its the keeper. Watch out where you cut off fingers, and arms. In number two she has floating fingers and in number one you cut her hand off. Try to avoid chopping anything at a joint. Nice start and thanks for sharing.