Senior Pics...any advice?

[larann78]

Am a photography student trying to build a portfolio so i agreed to shoot these senior pics for someone. She didn't seem overly joyed when she got em so was wondering what you guys thought. Be brutal!!!! I need it

[Feardrops]

I don't see anything really wrong with either of them.
I think her expression in the second one seems a little forced, but that could be for various reasons beyond your control.
She seems uncomfortable in the first one as well.
I don't think it's any of your fault.
A suggestion might be to get her to cool down, she seems uptight in both of the photos. Try making the subject comfortable to get the best photo possible.

[JMHPhotography]

Do you have color versions of these as well?

1. I don't like how I feel like she's laying back. What you have here is more along the lines of a "headshot" and headshots work better leaning into the center instead of away. I just feel like the balance is off. If you were to include more of her and maybe even all of her in the shot and leaning back it might work better. Leaning against a tree is one thing, laying back on one is another. I'm also not wild about the sephia tone on this. I don't think there is enough happening in the shot for that effect. There is only her and a part of a tree really.

2. I actually like the composition and the pose is ok too. What I'm not really sure about is the coloring. I can't really get a sense of what it is. Is it selective colorization or just VERY muted? I say this because the only things that seem to have any color are the flowers in the background, and her jacket. I think maybe this one would have worked alot better either full B&W or with moderately muted color. Maybe even full color.

I'm not a professional myself, but these are the things I can see, so take it for what it's worth.

[Curtis N]

I like the expressions. You did a very nice job with the lighting.

The composition and pose of #1 seem to emphasize her ample bustline, making her face a secondary part of the image. Her arm being against her body is flattened out and makes her look overweight (this is a common complaint when women see portraits of themselves from that angle).

In #2 she seems "posed." People only sit that way when a photographer tells them to. It's not easy to pose subjects in a way that doesn't look contrived.

She has a photogenic smile. I think it's worth trying again, if she's willing.

[mackb]

I think the composition in the second one would be better if she was standing and then you got a full frame shot, what I'm sayin is I love the background, even the color, just not her sitting. I tried some Sr. pics last week and haven't "turned" them over yet, so take my advice for what it's worth.

You did very well with the lighting, maybe you can give me advice on that!

[i2iSTUDIOS]

I agree, for #1, draws my eyes to her 38D, but it would do that anyways... perhaps she doesn't want people staring at them so much.

[subtle_spectre]

Hmmm...said what he thought, didn't he?

[garbidz]

I like tinted BW shots. What I've found out is that you have to reset the high point and shadows after conversion, sinon, the pic is dull. I do not like highlight glimmering in the background, I go through a lot of trouble to get the highlights on the model -with the exception of frank contrejour pics like your #1.
You relate well to your model, she is relaxed and smiles effortlessly.
I suggest you run another levels on #1 to put the whites up. Or selective color or curves, whatever you are comfortable with. You got a style!

[VividRyan]

and to add to the above, have her lift her chin a little. That will get rid rid of the extra chins :)

and if you have her sit, try sitting in a way that stretchers her body more, this will make her seem skinner as the gravity will be spred out and not all in one place.

[garbidz]

Tried around a bit...with an S-shaped "curves" layer got the result I liked.
Which, again, does not mean much....

[Wavy C]

I like the first one best, but am not too keen on the angle it is shot from and that the bust is so prominent (maybe the main reason she wasn't too pleased with the pic). Tried doing a quick crop to see if you think it might help. Also adjusted the levels to get a little more punch.

(I hope you don't mind me reposting your pic).

[Wavy C]

I'm not too sure what a 'senior' pic is, but am assuming it is something to do with leaving school and that the subject might want to frame the shot or put it in an album to remember the day.

[badrotation]

I'm not too sure what a 'senior' pic is, but am assuming it is something to do with leaving school and that the subject might want to frame the shot or put it in an album to remember the day.


Senior pics are BIG here in the US. Some students pay over $1000 for them. I never got senior pics in high school, since I never wanted to pay even near that amount. I think it is silly, but it brings in the money (I have been doing several different shoots lately for people)...

[Titus213]

She looks relaxed to me. And the framing is good but they need more contrast.

[kaitlyn]

i'd like to see the unprocessed versions for comparison's sake. i agree with titus about the contrast... in the second one she's blending in with the background a lot.

personally, i think you did a good job. they're definitely better than my senior pics were, and i paid a lot for them!

[ctgoldwing]

I agree with some of the previous posters that the 1st shot places way too much emphasis on her chest. She might very well be sensitive, so to speak, to that.

The second pose is forced / unflattering.

I think both images look 'flat' (lightwise) and could use more contrast.

Why don't you speak to her * ask her what her expectations of the shoot should be? What does she want to see? After all she is the client.