FIRST E-Session... AH!

[malorie_d]

First off, I will give background on these pictures. They arent really engaged (yet). They are my friends and this past weekend we went to a Hotel near our homes, so I decided to TRY things out inside, since I dont usually shoot inside... AND I need some serious practice with posing since I start to get a little uncomfurtable with it once I try. I think I have ideas before I start shooting, then when I shoot, for some reason I get all locked up (weird, I know.) I usually shoot sports and family, so posing people is a new venture for me. I REALLY need some help with it (as you can see!!!) SO GIVE ME ADVICE ON POSING! PLEASE! Also, we were drinking a bit, so these arent my BEST works...HAHA! And the photos are a heck of a lot sharper printed, so im not sure what im doing wrong with posting them online to make them look moreor less blurry, i suppose? Whats the best way to upload... But, I still gave it a try.

#1http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2449/87/44/503479776/n503479776_1342737_4471.jpg

#2
http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2449/87/44/503479776/n503479776_1343353_3371.jpg

#3
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2449/87/44/503479776/n503479776_1343355_4087.jpg

#4
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2449/87/44/503479776/n503479776_1343356_4439.jpg

#5.She really liked this one and wanted the "vintage" effect. Not sure if Im doing it right, but it doesnt hurt to give it a shot.
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2449/87/44/503479776/n503479776_1343395_8842.jpg

[csm328]

Ok, I'll say it: there's a bit of work needed next time you try an e-session. As you can probably tell, many people have viewed these but are reluctant to provide any sort of negative C&C, possibly because you didnt ask for any or because there is quite a bit to do. It's hard to believe you shot these with a 5D and some L-glass. Anyway, lighting is quite poor as is the focus. The positioning of the subjects is stilted, posed and awkward to say the least. As a 'bigger' lass, there are a few better posing techniques that you could have used to make the pictures....less disproportionate? He's thin and she isn't. One highlights the other etc etc. They all have a vingette! Anyway, don't be discouraged and I look forward to your next lot of pics.

[csm328]

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=286827

[Suedezu]

I do agree with csm328: you have some issues with this series of pictures.

Here are my thoughts:

What I like first:
- the idea in the first set of 3 pictures. Unfortunately it's ruined by the poor focus and the fact they have unnatural facial expressions.
- the pose in number 5 as it makes her look slim compared to the others

What I don't like:
- the poses in the rest of the pictures. Number 2 in particular suits her the least and makes her look fat. Does she like it? Compare number 6 and 7 in terms of poses: for me #6 is hideous but number 7 is ok. Also, in #6 and #7 the background and the composition could be improved. Too much empty and unattractive space behind them.

- your focus seems off in many of them
- redo the processing for the entire set. You could improve them this way.

[dotTif]

#5 is my favorite, it has nice color and the I like the pose/angle of the shot

[malorie_d]

Thankyou EVERYONE for pointing these things out! I gave some background info on the photos/people. I need some practice with posing... I already know this. And her being somewhat "bigger" it does make it a little difficult on me. since Im not experienced with that sort of thing. Thanks for link for posing larger women too! That really helps. Ill have to bookmark it!

[collierportraits]

Couple of observations. First of all, you can simply stay away from alchohol, especially while shooting. :D Backgrounds are rather busy, except for #3, which is stronger because of its simplicity.

Clothing of course, is important. I realize that it may have been impromptu, though, so that's understandable. Not bad overall. Some good shots.

Btw, from a distance, he looks like Michael Cera.

[ejicon]

The best thing you can do for posing people is to tell them to just do what they do best.
Natural poses are always best.
First things first, you have to be comfortable with what you're doing. Your camera has to be apart of you. If you're worrying about settings and what nots, it'll take away from what you're doing and cause you to be frustrated. I don't take many E-sessions but generally when taking peoples pictures (unless I want a specific pose) I'll just start shooting. I won't tell them when I'm shooting, I just shoot. There's something about the "1-2-3... Say Cheese" that make people look different than just shooting shooting. I know it sounds like the worst advice, but if you're looking for something natural, it's a good way to go. Ask them to tell each other a funny joke or you tell them a funny joke. Test them on something. Trivia. There are so many ways of distracting people from the camera. I hope this helps out. Thanks for sharing

[blouieee]

I do agree with csm328: you have some issues with this series of pictures.

Here are my thoughts:

What I like first:
- the idea in the first set of 3 pictures. Unfortunately it's ruined by the poor focus and the fact they have unnatural facial expressions.
- the pose in number 5 as it makes her look slim compared to the others

What I don't like:
- the poses in the rest of the pictures. Number 2 in particular suits her the least and makes her look fat. Does she like it? Compare number 6 and 7 in terms of poses: for me #6 is hideous but number 7 is ok. Also, in #6 and #7 the background and the composition could be improved. Too much empty and unattractive space behind them.

- your focus seems off in many of them
- redo the processing for the entire set. You could improve them this way.

Agreed.

[Matt30D]

Micheal Cera...YES,,,that is where I saw that face...overall the photos are preety average...you'll get a second chance@