newb critique needed

[euthyphronic]

I am new at this.
I just bought a Canon 30d days ago.
50mm 1.8 II lens.

Trying to shoot and learn so any and all criticism is welcome
Thank you for taking the time.
I am trying to learn as I go and trying to have some fun.







http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb144/euthyphronic/photo%20on%20the%20net/IMG_0169a.jpg

F./ 1.8
ISO. 100
1/5 sec.

[Titus213]

Interesting, delicate lighting effect, looks soft but the hand is sharp. Focus looks like it's on the 3rd or 4th finger and probably should be on the eyes for this to work at all. I don't care for the up the nostril shot, I'd reverse the angle and focus on the eyes. You might get away with the hand in focus and the eyes out if there was something of interest in the hand.

[ejay79]

I like the tone of this.

You'll notice the eyes are not in focus, while the middle finger is. I'm guessing you shot with a fairly low aperture? Try stopping it down (higher f-stop number) a bit to get more depth of field so from the fingers to the eyes (at least) is in focus.

It's typically important to make sure the eyes are as sharp as you can get them in a portrait, it really makes you connect with the subject.

Looks good, and good luck!

[euthyphronic]

I am sorry i should have included data for the photo. That is bad of me.

F./ 1.8
ISO. 100
1/5 sec.


titus when you say reverse the angle do you mean point the camera further up to the eye? or raise the camera so it is on same level as the eye? On this particular shot camera was below the face and slightly pointed upwards.

i appreciate both comments I have learned something.

[Titus213]

Generally speaking you'll find shots looking down on a person are more pleasing than those looking up - at least looking up when the nostrils on centered. And generally with portraiture I try to get the eyes in focus, sharp focus. You can do that with f1.8 but that means something is going to be OOF, and that's fine.