my first paid portraits

[skimmilk68]

Met a couple at the beach, they wanted some pics taken by me and were willing to pay me for it :D

http://www.pbase.com/skimmilk68/image/39343635.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/skimmilk68/image/39343637.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/skimmilk68/image/39343641.jpg

let me know how i could have improved it... i was nervous and rushing through it :(

[jO3]

Well, now that you have experience, you'll know not to rush a shoot... The most important thing when doing headshots is just to make sure that both you and your subjects are comfortable with each other. If there is no comfort there, it shows in the picture. Take your time, and get to know what the subject likes. Then use that for conversation later, and you'll see that genuine smiles make a huge difference in photography!

With that said, comments on your pics:

First one is a good shot, but for the composition, I would have filled more of the frame with your subject. The lighting is def good, and I would have turned him to his left just a tad to catch some light on his face a bit more. Overall shot is good...

Second shot, i really like. Definitely a great capture, and the composition is excellent. Colors are pretty vivid and provide good contrast for each other. Excellent shot.

3rd one is great as well! The only thing I would have done differently would be to take the shot horizontally landscaped, but this one came out well.

Definitely a good start for ya!

[blackviolet]

on the first shot - maybe a touch of reflector or very light fill, to give some nice light across the face. perhaps he seems a bit nervous, or unsure what to do with his hands - try chatting, joking, give some nice comments, etc. once you build some rapport they will relax more.


otherwise - great that you have had the opportunity. keep it up! do you have friends/significant other that you can get to guinea pig for you? it will give you the experience with directing subjects and getting the best out of them during a shoot.

[dewmuw]

Were they happy with the shots? That is the key.

I think 2 and 3 are great. I agree that #1 he looks ill at ease and a bit unsure what to do.

[mr.photoguy]

yeah, I like to strike up conversations with the subjects, get them to laugh... Joke with them and make them feel comfortable.
Then snap shots ...
same even when they are posing..

[RockSlut]

Nice photos. You've done well.

And your subject, well he's got great taste in music :)

[DOrtiz]

Excellent shots, and I'm learning by reading what others are suggesting here -- thank you. While on the topic of portraits, compostiton, lightning and thirds ... would you guys consider this a decent portrait shot?

Naturally taken .. called his name then he looked up -- snap.

http://photos.imageevent.com/dortiz/family/dadsphotoalbum/workandplay/halloween2004/Dave-revised.jpg

Thanks for your feedback and suggestions.

Regards,
Dave