First Portrait Comments Please

[boomer1959]

Please let me know what you think. Photo of my son.

Speed .59 sec.
Aperture f4.3
ISO 50
PSE background

Click on image for better view. :D

http://images.fotopic.net/?iid=yft21y&outx=636&oq=0

[boomer1959]

Anybody!

I could use some advice, I Sure :)

[Chris717]

I am not expert (yet), but I think I can give a couple of comments.

I think a white background is probably worst background for a portrait in most cases. Especially with a red shirt on white/gray faded background.

It looks like you cut out the background and filled in the background with a gradient from white to gray. It looks very un-natural which makes the photo look flat. Next time use a sheet or some colors to add interest or compliment the subject. Take a look at some of the background material from B&H, it will give you an idea what to use: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=breadCrumb&A=FetchChildren&Q=&ci=1175

I also do not like the border or framing of the photo. The beveled border distract from the subject. Instead of beveled borders use flat borders or none at all. Simple is sometimes the better.

The baby blue signature is also distracting, I know you want to give yourself credit but it doesn’t have to jump off the photo.

The one thing that is good in this portrait is the lighting is pretty good.

Sorry if you think I’m being too critical.

[boomer1959]

Thanks Chris,

You made some very good points and I appreciate it. :)
I can't get better at this if I don't know what i am doing wrong
This was my first try at a portrait and I am not realy set up at all. :(
Thanks again. :)

[edsarkiss]

hi david --

next time, nix all the adornments (border, signature, etc) and find a suitable background so you don't have to do nasty lasoo-work in photoshop.

that aside, try something different with the lighting. he looks like a happy kid sitting under a fluorescent light in the kitchen.

if you don't have studio lights, try setting up a strong lamp to one side of him to show the shape of his face. put another lamp or a reflective card on the other side to make the shadows less harsh.

if you have a willing subject, try several shots with the lights in different positions -- the photos don't have to be perfect, just focus on learning how the light falls on a person from different angles. with that knowledge, you should be on the path to making some super portraits.

photos are nothing without light.........

[boomer1959]

More good advice. You nailed the floresent light in the kitchen. Good guess LOL. I have another new challenge. Thats what I love about photography, the challenges. Thank you edsarkiss :D :D

[JX]

Try shooing outdoors. The fall foliage can produce some very nice backgrounds. I use a low ISO and open my lens up so that the background is soft and out of focus. On bright sunny days I wait until late afternoon or early evening. Midday sunlight is often too harsh. I also love cloudy overcast for shooting portraits, no harsh shadows and even illumination.

In regards to the portrait of your son, the camera angle the picture was taken at put too much emphasis on your son’s nose making the nostrils look bigger. Lowering his chin, turning his shoulder slightly toward the camera and slightly tilting his head would have improved the photo. Another point, have your son relax his smile. Notice how he squinted. Eyes are the focal point in a portrait. A fill- in- flash or reflectors can really bring out details in the eyes, and lighten harsh shadows.


Once again try shooting outdoor with fall foliage.

Good luck

Jim