Portrait Critique

I've been using a reflector only. No flash. Do you think I need a flash? Will it help the quality?

Photo from gabe212's gallery.
Image hosted by forum (775361)

Photo from gabe212's gallery.
Image hosted by forum (773951)

#1...you need to control your background as it draws the eye from the subject.

As above, although I don't think its that distracting, and did you use a gold reflector? Liking #2.

I used a silver reflector, I'm thinking of trying the white for a softer light next time. This is another edit, kind of softens her a bit.

gabe212 wrote in post #17901745
I used a silver reflector, I'm thinking of trying the white for a softer light next time. This is another edit, kind of softens her a bit.

Hosted photo: posted by gabe212 in
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forum: Critique Corner

it's not so much the color of the reflector, it is the placement. Needs to be at least a high as the head. What you have now is sometimes called monster lighting, where the subject is lit from below. Think of placing a flashlight under your chin and telling a ghost story around a campfire, not exactly flattering.

i would also turn her shoulders a bit more square to the camera.

heres some more

I like #2. I would just caution you on over sharpening. You can tell they're over sharpened due to the "halo" effect that's present in drastic color or contrast changes. I immediately noticed it on the boys fingers and teeth in #3.

I agree that the background is to distracting in #1. I like #2

I dont mind the back ground in 1, its not ideal but i can live with it. The image does look slightly soft to me and the pose needs work, as some one mentioned slightly squarer on to the camera, maybe drop the shoulder a touch and straighten her back. Also you have cropped her at the wrist which im not so keen on.

Thank you everyone! Great advice.

The dog picture is pretty sweet.

I don't care for the posing in #1: she looks affected with lordosis and her facial expression is kinda listless. Furthermore, you placed your reflector too low and got spooky lighting, which doesn't flatter her at all.

The background in #1 doesn't bother me personally, but I agree about the lighting issue. It's normal to have a reflector down low and aimed up at your subject when you have a stronger key light coming from above, such that the reflector is just filling in shadows under the chin. But here, the reflector has to be considered as the key light and placed high, because the sun is backlighting her. I love #2, that low-contrast vintage look is perfect for the subject.