First portrait attempt

[Michaelmjc]

I went to my local camera shop today and got a backdrop, I thought I'd try it out using my sister as the model.

I would like some constructive criticism on how I can improve on this shot.

Remember it is my first attempt at portraits.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v352/michaelmjc/katie.jpg

[cactusclay]

A little more light in the face, some catch lights in the eyes and crop her above the knees a bit or go full lenght. Great fist attempt though, just keep at it and look at other peoples work.

[Sleeping Martyr]

1) Not enough light, i'd put one in front and slightly above to her left. (camera right)
2) Are her eyes out of focus?
3) hands by her side
4) She appears to be looking just out of the photo
5) she should smile and show teeth

She's got potential, she's easy on the eyes. the camera will like her if she puts some effort into it! Keep improving!!

i'd put her right arm on her outer thigh, then cross her left arm across her belly and grasp the right with her left hand. then tilt her head slightly to the left, look at the camera and smile more.

[Eric DeCastro]

well start off easy. use a hot light light (or a monolight if you have one) but the important thing is to have a light.

try a flood light about 45* to the left or right of her, and if you can a white sheet (away from the light becase you don't want ot to catch fire) and try shome shots like that. you might want to put a foam core board or just a white poster board as a reflector on the opposite side.

try and master your lighting then work on her posing. but good start. keep shooting and good luck.

[Michaelmjc]

After i took the shot I knew right away that there wasn't enough light on her face.

Im going to go try some different light angles, and poses. Thanks for the help.

[Eric DeCastro]

what was your set up now? It looks like a light source coming from below. might be as easy as lifting that light source up to her face. and getting a reflector for any stray shadows.

[Michaelmjc]

what was your set up now? It looks like a light source coming from below. might be as easy as lifting that light source up to her face. and getting a reflector for any stray shadows.

I had the lights on the floor because I had no idea how it was going to turn out. I will lift the lights up to eye level and see how it turns out.

[tupe]

I agree - more light on the face. If you don't mind a little post-processing, it's not a bad pic, though:

[Michaelmjc]

Well I took everything you said and tried my best. I thoguht was awful so she wanted me to take pictures of her in her grad dress.

I think it turned out a lot better than the first. The only thing that bothered me was the shadow to her left (our right).

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v352/michaelmjc/katie2.jpg

[Eric DeCastro]

try and move her away from the backdrop.

what is your setup for this picture?

did you try something reflective on "her" left side? you can use a piece of cardboard and foil (non shiney side up and wrinkle it up a bit. getting better.

[Michaelmjc]

When you say "try and move her away from the backdrop" What do you mean? Have her come forward more?

I will have to use the reflector because it's not coming out the way I wanted. I think it's definately improved fromt he first shot though.

[Eric DeCastro]

yes have her move away from the backdrop so the shadow doesn't fall onto it or won't see it as much. if it becomes too much of a pain, you can make another reflector and shine it on the shadow so it softens it up or makes it disapear.

try that and post it, i would like to see what it comes out like.

[charlesu]

Keep her at least 4 feet in front of the backdrop. Soften the light (umbrella, soft box, diffusion material on a frame--see Calumet for great PVC frame and material setups) somehow. Also, get a reflector on the other side to soften the shadows or, if you like the shadows, add a second light to just the backdrop or a light over head for hair and some spill to backdrop.

She's a pretty girl. Love to see more from her. She's a little stiff in front of the camera but has nice features and she is obviously comfortable working with you so keep shooting with her. She's a great subject.


http://ompi.onemodelplace.com/OMP_Images/Photographer/3661/3661_p_5E2D7300-0AF0-C33D-76F221C3E6892F96.jpg

I happen to like shadows in most of my images if I am shooting for me (or for the model). But, a lot depends on the subject. With someone who has a very narrow face I don't use much shadow because that makes them look even thinner. With someone who is bigger or who has a rounder, fuller face I use more shadow. Here's just a soft shadow to give some contour to the model's face.

[Michaelmjc]

Thanks a lot for your comments. I will try the reflector and see how it turns out, and I'll have her stand farther away from the backdrop.

Thanks again.

[Fer]

Your sister is so pretty. Keep shooting her and posting your images. Try some natural light as well ;)

[Dante King]

I second what Fer said. Keep them coming. She is very pretty!