Mary-Ann

[berrylish]

My first female guinea pig! Yay! So much easier to photograph....I think that's because I know more girl poses hehe. Please critique.


http://www.berrylish.com/forum/POTN/MaryAnn%20009.jpg
http://www.berrylish.com/forum/POTN/MaryAnn%20018.jpg
http://www.berrylish.com/forum/POTN/MaryAnn%20020.jpg
http://www.berrylish.com/forum/POTN/MaryAnn%20031.jpg
http://www.berrylish.com/forum/POTN/MaryAnn%20054.jpg

[Big John]

sorry, but I could not open it....just a red x


Thats odd....after I posted this reply they came up!


These look great!.I looks like you did a good job recruiting the help of your friend. Kepp them coming!

[Bruce Hamilton]

Cute model, but the first four seem too soft.

[ayotnoms]

Like 4 and 5. The others have that practiced, stiff look.
...my 2¢

[CrazyCrease]

i agrree with the above
i like #4 the best if i had to pick one

[berrylish]

Like 4 and 5. The others have that practiced, stiff look.
...my 2¢

My friend's pretty shy and actually #4 I asked her to not smile and try to "part her lips". She laughed and felt embarassed....said it kind of felt weird. But I guess it turned out to look most natural? hehe

And about the softness....does this look better?
http://www.berrylish.com/forum/MJsharp.jpg

[InskiP]

Yes, I think it does. What settings did you use w/USM?
Yes, 3 & 4 are definately the best, most natural poses.

[berrylish]

Yes, I think it does. What settings did you use w/USM?
Yes, 3 & 4 are definately the best, most natural poses.

whats USM?
does this help?
Tv( Shutter Speed )
1/640
Av( Aperture Value )
1.4
ISO Speed
1600

[berrylish]

o....also how do u loosen up a model for poses? i just wanted her to try out a variety of poses.

[ayotnoms]

USM = Unsharp Mask...or Ultrasonic Motor, if we're talking Canon lenses.

The sharper version looks better, no doubt. I don't mind a little softness, it's the expression that captures my attention and in that photo (#3) the look of spontaneity is what puts it above the others IMO.

As for how you loosen up a model I would say whatever you did to get #3 is what works...for your friend at least.

Not having the first hand experience of a pro, I would think that's one of the most crucial skills of the photographer; the ability to get the model to relax and just do what comes naturally.

Then again, I may just be full of you-know-what.

:-) :-)

[InskiP]

Didn't you use Unsharp Mask? How did you get #3 sharper? If you used USM what settings? I always have a hard time knowing how much to apply.

[drewmk2]

When you shoot and want low DOF, shoot at somthing like f/2.8. The area that is in focus at f/1.4 is so small, that even if you're in perfect focus where you set the point, it might not be perfectly sharp, just because of the difference in depth.

USM will help a bit, but stopping down a bit will really help.

[berrylish]

Didn't you use Unsharp Mask? How did you get #3 sharper? If you used USM what settings? I always have a hard time knowing how much to apply.

The soft one came right out of the camera. So to make it sharp I just went in photoshop--->filter--->sharpen--->sharpen.

And thanks drewmk2. I'll remember that for next time.

[Art Rodriguez]

I like all the photos, especially #2 IMHO. I think you did a great job with her.

[DavidEB]

they're all good photos, and I'd be happy to have shot them myself. There might be some minor things to consider for next time -- in number 2, the lamppost looks like it's sitting on top of her head, and in the last one the white balance seems off, too yellow. Also, the colors and sharp edges in her shirt don't really match the soft outdoorsy greens and neutral concrete; that shirt might go better with a more edgy background like a shop with neon lights. The negatives are minor - they're good shots. You've captured a nice range of facial expressions, and especially in number 3 and 4 she looks like she's thinking of something interesting to her rather than just a vacuous smile on so many models. Looks like a real person.

good job, thanks for sharing them.

[drisley]

#4 is my favourite, especially the updated version.
She looks very relaxed to me, and I like the pose.