First portrait attempts, C&C welcome...

[StormDriven]

I think I am getting better at this, but please critique! would these shots be considered on a professional level? I do not have any processing skills so if someone wouldnt mind taking the wheel, go for it!!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3513/3223567783_f69ae8efaa_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3400/3223552805_beecf7cc3e_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3091/3222315211_0fb977329c_o.jpg

[readysetgocapture]

IMO no, but they are nice shots alll the same :)

[readysetgocapture]

actually the last one is really cool :)

[makin'memories]

I like the last one too...the first one seems really flat maybe up the contrast and levels a bit...the second I would make it more high key and dodge the background so that it is bright white and you don't see any of the wrinkles...JMO though

[StormDriven]

I like the last one too...the first one seems really flat maybe up the contrast and levels a bit...the second I would make it more high key and dodge the background so that it is bright white and you don't see any of the wrinkles...JMO though

I have got a lot of learning to do when it comes to PP! i have no idea how to do that!!

[makin'memories]

do you have photoshop or what program are you using?
also what type of lighting are you using like for #2?

[James33]

I like the last one best by far. Forehead looks a little overexposed - kind of have a halo thing going around her as well, although I'd guess that was intentional along with the vignette.

[StormDriven]

do you have photoshop or what program are you using?
also what type of lighting are you using like for #2?

No Photoshop, to darn expensive right now. I got save up some more $$$ I am just using the free editing stuff on flickr! LOL

As far as lighting goes, how does a 60W soft bulb in a table lamp sound! I know, its redneck!! But hey, im just getting started.....got the camera for christmas mostly for storm photography - but i would like to be able to shoot even in the off season like parties and weddings.

[makin'memories]

check into PhotoImpact...that is what I started learning with and then moved to CS3. Yeah the list for good equipment is $$, but well worth it in the end. I buy all my equipment from www.bhvideo.com great customer service for when you are ready to start looking...

[USER876]

Impressive editing using just flicker software!

[canonnoob]

first and two are underexposed a tad... the third one to me is GOLD.. I really like it.. vignette is alittle strong..I would take that back alittle...

[OneCall]

1 and 2 are a little flat for me too, could use a little work there... 1 for some reason just doesn't do it for me... maybe too tight on the shot?? Nice concept though... image 2 just doesn't work... curtain bother me...

Now #3... is spot on, everything look good, good lighting, good pose only one nit pick... the tiny white spot on her chest ... need to edit that out.. :)

Thanks for sharing...
Dave

[StormDriven]

Image editing is fine by me, so if someone wants to take the wheel and make some adjustments, i would appreciate it since i dont have PS right now.

[Jammet]

#1 I like it just if you are going to show both eyes, show both eyes, in that one I would get her to turn her head a bit more like #3.

#2 I would of taken the shot above her head some and to camera right, her face looks really long and the right hand is drawing a lot of attention for me.

#3 looks really good, but as stated the forehead is a bit washed out.

As for software I suggested before for a free one that does really well called GIMP, its free and has a lot of features that photoshop has.

[makin'memories]

sent you an email stormdriven

[makin'memories]

ok I don't know how well this will look on here...I did the edit on my laptop and I hate working on my laptop...this was a quick edit...

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm150/dgphotodesigns/3223552805_beecf7cc3e_o.jpg

[midnitejam]

#1
My favorite of the three. Here's how I got there....
The composition. Only complaint is the rose in the lower right corner is a distraction and must be cloned away
The pose. The most flattering to her facial features in any of the other two.
Exposure. The light ratio is a plus
Contrast. Adds a dreamy surealistic touch.

#2
Compared to #1 and #3, this capture is more suited for the family album of snapshots. I'm not saying I don't like it--I'm saying it doesn't compare to the others.

#3
I like the expression and the pose, not so much the composition because of the centralized location of the subject. Too much negative space on the left border.
I like the soft, dreamy, surealistic touch the lighting and saturation gives it.
As in #1, you've also chosen a very flattering angle for the facial features.

[makin'memories]

here is another quick play on the first one...don't know how accurate it is because of the laptop..
http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm150/dgphotodesigns/mmedit.jpg