Prom dress

[Art Rodriguez]

This is my first post and my first attempt at portrait photography. The photos were taken with my new Digital Rebel with the lens kit. Still trying to learn the ins and outs of the camera. So far all the pictures I have taken have been in Auto mode or Promgram mode.

This is my cousin in her prom dress. She found out about the great new camera I bought and wanted me to take some pictures of her in her prom dress. These were to two photos I liked the best. Only post process in PS is sharpening. Still trying to learn about PS. I would appreciate any helpful hints.

Since this is my first post, hope you can see the pictures. :lol:

[Vetteography]

The pose in the first one made me think she had no legs... The second one is nice though.

[D LeBlanc]

Great shots. I like the locations you chose.

[henleg]

One suggestion from me is that you have a digital camera. USE IT! You don't have to worry about wasting photos. Fill your CF card with inane shots, and read the manual. I found the manual to be very handy, and helpful.

By the way, I really like the shots. I would suggest playing with the dof, but you can also do that in PS.

Good luck & welcome!

Hen.

[BrandonSi]

The pose in the first one made me think she had no legs... The second one is nice though.

I liked the first one, it kind of looked like a human frog.. neat :) The only thing that is a tad(pole) distracting to me is the walkway in the back there, if it had just been the pond and her it would've been more compelling. but I still like it!

[exposingmyself]

She found out about the great new camera then she should have a great big smile on her face :D

overall, i like the pictures.
CC-i hope: :)
seriously, i wished you would have captured a smile (laughing, delicate smile, flirty smile). a smile would made me feel like she's enjoying her time and being in that gorgeous dress. I LOVE the set up for the first one (overcast lighting makes color of her beautiful dress pop). You should bring her date or friends here and shoot so that she may have this as a memorable place for her later in her life. For the second, I found that shooting up anyone's nose is not flattering. The bg makes me keep looking beyond yonder instead of at her also the on the step off the step is an awkward stance.

Did you push that pink flower on the water there? It's perfect.

My tip for PS: Use it as a tool and crop photos through your camera's viewfinder, it will benefit your photoshooting techniques in the long run.

All the best!

[Citizensmith]

Good work, the first pose is nice and unusual, I'm sure she enjoyed it.

[Ballen Photo]

Hello Art, Welcome to the forum. :D
The first shot is an unusual pose with a unique background. I think it works! :D
The second shot is good as well, but I really like how refreshing and new the Style of the first is. Kudos for working that out. ;)
-Bruce

[pcDigiMan]

I like the first photo – circular rock and the dress follows this circular pattern – pleasant set up.
She needs to smile.

[cricket]

Hi Art! Welcome!

I really would like to see a shallower depth of field. If you shoot in Aperture Priority Mode, and select something like 4.5 or 2.8 if your lens has it, the background would be less sharp and put more emphasis on the girl...

In the second pose, I also feel that either a smile, head tossed back, or a wicked little grin would enhance the shot.

Your exposure seems good, and the lighting is nice too! Good job!

Ya gotta start somewhere, and you are on your way!

As for Photoshop, get books, and search online for tutorials about making selections and using layers. Those are the two basic skills in Photoshop that you should know. Then, you can use filters, color and image adjustments and whatever else on parts of an image, on just a layer, and really control how you manipulate your photos! Remember, this is not a program that you master in a short period of time. You will keep learning new skills/tricks all the time!

I have been a Photoshop professional for many years, and I always learn new things about the program! (of course, they keep adding cool new tools, too!)

Take care!

[DwightMcCann]

I think the only thing lacking are the smiles ... perhaps she looks just a touch awkward in the first image, but I am not sure how you would make her look relaxed there, although it is a really unique and pleasant surround.

[Art Rodriguez]

Thanks for all the comments.

I have added a picture of her smiling. Out of all the pictures I took that day, and I did take a lot, I liked the two I posted earlier. We had a lot of fun that day, although it was a bit cold for her in that dress.:lol:

[DwightMcCann]

So much prettier smiling and she doesn't look quite so awkward! "Quite a few" is 400 or more! :-)

[Art Rodriguez]

So much prettier smiling and she doesn't look quite so awkward! "Quite a few" is 400 or more! :-)

Okay, about 120 more.

[Ballen Photo]

So much prettier smiling
I have to agree with Dwights thoughts on Her smile. Very nice. ;)
-Bruce

[txdude35]

I preferred the first shot to the second, but the last shot is great. She has a great smile.
Good work.

[Croasdail]

joining the band wagon here... smile shot is the best.... the others just don't look as comfortable - not that they are bad - just the last one you feel like her personality is coming out.

[hollow]

Nice photos.

Indeed, the one in she's smiling is better.

Regards