First Photo Session Ever: Amy's Senior Portraits

[per aspera]

Here's my first photo shoot, senior photos for Amy. Canon 20D, Canon 17-85 IS USM (This lens gets a lot of crap; undeserved in my opinion </rant>) and a CPL. Built-in flash and a 42-inch hard-as-hell to use 5 sided reflector. Be Draconian about it, I'm considering taking on more jobs. Thanks all, here you go!

1.http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1259/794177614_83137527fc_o.jpg
2.http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1403/793301149_a605b5d9f9_o.jpg
3.http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1346/793298289_f9cd61b240_o.jpg
4.http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1185/794176102_74250755bf_o.jpg
5.http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1009/794178116_b7097f8475_o.jpg
6.http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1090/793301555_021a333eb9_o.jpg
7.http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1090/794177242_153269795d_o.jpg
8.http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1106/793300375_9c9880757f_o.jpg

Numbers 6 and 7 are purely experimental; don't hold back.

[NarrowSoul]

7 is amazing... Grah, your level is above me, sorry to say I can offer little feedback...

A+ though. I wish I could be more helpful lol.

-Kique

[danpass]

Pretty cool composition


The one on horseback looks good, I think the others need contrast (or perhaps saturation)


_

[howzitboy]

cute shots but for senior, id like to see her looking at camera.... but thats just my tastes. really good assortment of bg too!

[Snapman]

Decent set of images but I wish the horse's head was in focus.

[Meaty0]

Great poses in Nos. 3, 4 & 7. I'd consider cloning out her bra strap.

You also might want to consider just using natural light and a reflector held by an assistant/friend (you know...one of those collapsible ones...errr..the reflector not the assistant...although...:-) )

In No. 7, it looks like you had pretty low light and needed a bit of fill flash. Her face is a bit dark. If you shot RAW, you can lighten the face easily. And if you MUST use flash outdoors, don't rely on the built-in flash, get yourself something like a 580ex and and off-camera flash cord and maybe a rotator bracket if you want to really lash out.

[LisaLayne]

For a first attempt, you did a great job. My constructive advice is: When in direct sunlight, use a gobo. As previously suggested, get an assistant. If no assistant is available you can mount a gobo ... and a reflector... which you also need to use to pop a little light back into the eyes (referring to #7). Invest in a good book about posing or find some seminars through your local professional photographer's group. You'll be amazed at what a difference the use of "dynamic diagonals" will make in your posing. Also, read up on views of the face... decide if you want a full, 2/3 or profile view. Images 5 & 8 the nose is "breaking the line of the face".. this is a bit bothersome. Good luck to you... you are off to a great start!

Lisa

[per aspera]

Thanks, for the advice! I'll take it to heart when shooting from now on!

[RedHot]

For senior portraits lose the sunglasses. I think they should be shot in a studio anyways. #2 and #3 have bra stra showing. #1 and #3 really have an empty frame/wasted space in the composition.

[ryant35]

#2 - I like the pose & the idea, but I agree with RedHot that there is too much wasted space, and the water looks sharper than her face.

[ryant35]

I love #6, great pose, great facial expression. Maybe step up color a little. Just my opinion.

#7 is a great idea but her expression isn't that great. I would try that angle again just wait for a smile, or like #1.