Young Lady in the Gardens -Thanks POTN!

[Big John]

It was a very beautiful evening tonight and I decided to go to the local gardens and take some pictures.

As I was walking around, I noticed this young lady and some of her friends. As I was walking by, she recommended a particular shot of some trees. I started a conversation with her and after a few minutes I decided that I really wanted to take her picture. I gathered up my courage and asked her which to my utter delight she was very willing to pose and even take some direction.

After a few minutes of this she gathered up her boyfriend and I took several shots of them as a couple, then some group shots. It was a really extraordinary time for me because this was the first time I had shot a group of strangers and it was a great learning tool for me.

I am trying to get over my shyness about approaching strangers and this was a huge confidence boost for me. I have read alot of threads on this topic and this forum has helped me immensely

I know that a faster lens would have made a world of difference in these because I had to go back in with PSE and work out a lot of noise on the skin tones, but overall, I am satisfied with the results. Canon EF 75-300mm and 420 ex speedlight used.

Comments are welcomed and encouraged!

[Ballen Photo]

Congrats on overcoming your shyness John, These look pretty good.
I like the second one a wee bit better overall for Her expression and the comp you used. I'd say the bokeh is pretty good as well. :D
-Bruce

[ayotnoms]

interesing story.
You did a good job on the photos. Nice bokeh in both pictures.
There's something about her in the second shot that wasn't conveyed in the 1st. Can't put my finger on it.
She's a rare beauty.

[Hava]

Always nice to read these kind of 'I didn't dare, but now I did' stories; an encouragement for me, (and probably many here).

For me, no 2 stands out; great shot. I love the warm evening sun colors in both her hair as in the background. The expression in no 2 is relaxed, open, warm. I love that there is quite some variation in the background. All of these things are missing in shot 1, which doesn't do much for me.

Hope to see your next 'total stranger'shot soon! Good luck!

[Big John]

Thanks for your kind words. :) :) As you mentioned, the girl is more relaxed and open in the second shot. This is another application of what I have been learning from everyone here on the forum.

As I was taking the photos, I noticed that the subjects were stiff and a little uncomfortable looking. Remembering what I had read previously, I started engaging them in conversation while I was shooting. After awhile, they were relaxed to the point that they were aware of being photographed, but able to ignore me and not pose stiffly.

The results were more natural, as you can see below :D

[sixshot]

Nice shots. Its hard to just ask random strangers to take thier pics, but plenty of people do and get great results. I like your second shot the most.

[Bitmap]

I like first two shots. I think they are equally good.

[D LeBlanc]

Great shots. She's pretty.

[Lynn Lane]

Great shots. Overcoming shyness is a hell of a task.

[jporter12]

I like the second picture as well, I think it's all about her expression, the slight smile. The first pic is a good shot also, but the second one has a bit of feeling to it.

The third one you posted is really nice, also! I like the way they don't look so posed as you commented!

[Bruce Hamilton]

I really like # 1, but I personally would ps out the lip ring.

[djonto]

Well done Big John - I like two and three