Portrait for critique

[serissolutions]

Very green newbie here.

I Dont have a pro cam, but it has some shutter and aperture functionality.
But the biggest problem I was having in portrait shooting was lighting.

Hows this shot?

Looking for tips on lighting, color saturation... Look ok to you?

http://www.serissolutions.com/photos/images/Portraits/The_Dragon.jpg

[cgratti]

maybe place a white peice of cardboard or something to deflect some light to fill in the dark areas of the childs right side of his face. The hand on his face looks unnatural, as does the hand around the stuffed animal. have him relax more and talk to him while sooting to ease him to sit naturally, make him laugh by telling jokes as you shoot. you will get very natural shots that way that dont look so posed.but other than that not too bad.
you dont need a pro camera to shoot like a pro, just ask some pro's here. you can get great shots even with a cheap camera and set-up.

[serissolutions]

I shut off my diffused 500 wat light on that side.
The dark side was intentional. Not a good idea?

[Jemmind]

the kid looks like he's a little old for the stuffed animal, that he's mad that he has to be photographed with it. Maybe talk to the kid and find out what makes him happy and incorporate that into the photo. He doesnt look happy at all.
just my thought
Julie

[serissolutions]

Thanx Julie.
Actually, he loves to be photographed. He posed himself.

That is a really good observation. I would never have noticed it but I did when you mentioned it.

Any other opinion? Any opinions about the lighting?

Thanx!
-Albert

[Jemmind]

I do like the lighting, it's done very well in my opinion. The colors are good to me also.
I think that a technically perfect portrait is not everything though, I don't have kids but if I did I would rather have a picture of my kid really happy-really expressing emotion- and is less than perfect as far as technique goes; rather than one that is perfect and the kid is like a statue or unhappy.
Julie

[serissolutions]

Yes that makes sense. Thank you so much!

[sheye]

I really like it, I think the lighting is great. I personally love "moody" portraits of my kids as I like to show all facets of their personality, not just the eating ice-cream, playing in the park stuff.
Honestly, well done.
Sheye

[jgbeam]

Very nice shot of the boy but I think the animal is just too big and overpowering. Who is the main subject here? The lighting is very good but the pose doesn't seem to go with the animal. He should look like he's having fun.

Jim

[Michaelmjc]

it looks cool, but I personally think that the background is to dark.

[Fer]

I like it, specially the colors you got. Maybe that lighting would be great in someone older, you know, a very dramatic photo.

[cgratti]

I shut off my diffused 500 wat light on that side.
The dark side was intentional. Not a good idea?

its fine if thats the effect you were going for. I personally like soft lighting covering the subject. There is certainly nothing wrong with your lighting if that's the effect you were after.

[serissolutions]

Wow you guys are great.
Thanx for the tips.

I have seen people on this forum become offended over helpful tips. I cant understand why.

If you want someone to say all your pics are great then show them to your mom!