portrait noob, senior pictures.

So I stepped out of my comfort zone and took a graduation portraits job. I usually shoot automotive exclusively but thought why not. Just 2 from the set, they feel very snapshotish.

C&C welcome.

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The problem I see is the location, then again the first one isn't bad. Also you over exposed them a little bit.

I think the background is a bit distracting. If you have photoshop you could blur the background a bit and tweek the colors and contrast. That's great that you took the opportunity to do this. Senior Portraits are very popular and can generate a lot of business. You should combine this with your normal photography...shoot the seniors with their cars, maybe that will make you feel like your more in your comfort zone.

For the first one, does the post seem a little feminine with the head tilt? Also I was trying to figure out if his left arm was photoshopped out or not, lol. Second one is better for me, though as said a background blur would be less distracting.

Thanks for the responses.

ShotByTom wrote in post #12185941
I think the background is a bit distracting. If you have photoshop you could blur the background a bit and tweek the colors and contrast. That's great that you took the opportunity to do this. Senior Portraits are very popular and can generate a lot of business. You should combine this with your normal photography...shoot the seniors with their cars, maybe that will make you feel like your more in your comfort zone.

Eh, I don't think senior pictures is something I will actively pursue. Shooting portraits isn't a big deal, I have been doing that for some time but just having a parent over my shoulder was a little nerve racking I suppose. I'm used to the peace and quiet that a car provides ha.

I have photoshop, contrast was tweaked, not one for using fake blur though. I just need to bite the bullet and upgrade to the 24-70 2.8

I guess the location was a downside to this set but, of course, the client's had a strict schedule and no ideas for the setting so I was left with shooting at their house.

Alvination wrote in post #12186391
For the first one, does the post seem a little feminine with the head tilt? Also I was trying to figure out if his left arm was photoshopped out or not, lol. Second one is better for me, though as said a background blur would be less distracting.

I don't know much about the subtle things that dictate the femininity of a pose, guess that is something to work on ha.

The arm isn't photoshopped out, you can see it go along with the shadow on his sleeve.

Carter N wrote in post #12186493
Shooting portraits isn't a big deal, I have been doing that for some time but just having a parent over my shoulder was a little nerve racking I suppose. I'm used to the peace and quiet that a car provides ha.

Your attitude about portraits shows in your results. Portraits can be a big deal, Both of these look like 2 minute snapshots. A little more effort in posing him and isolating him against a plain background would have made a major difference.

In my experience if a Male subject's head is tilted it should always be in the direction of the LOWER or FURTHER shoulder. Tilting the head towards the higher or closer shoulder will usually give a feminine look to the subject.

The reflection in the window in #2 is distracting to me. I believe I can see somebody's feet in it.

gonzogolf wrote in post #12186520
Your attitude about portraits shows in your results. Portraits can be a big deal, Both of these look like 2 minute snapshots. A little more effort in posing him and isolating him against a plain background would have made a major difference.

I was merely elaborating on what I meant by 'stepping out of my comfort zone', a.k.a "Shooting portraits wasn't what made me uncomfortable, the type of shoot was." I mean of course these shots took 2 minutes to set up, this wasn't a cover shoot for GQ, jesus. I agree that the background is distracting but the client expressed a distaste for solid colors or the impression of a backdrop so it is what it is... As for posing, I guess I just don't know how to pose dudes.

thebishopp wrote in post #12186589
In my experience if a Male subject's head is tilted it should always be in the direction of the LOWER or FURTHER shoulder. Tilting the head towards the higher or closer shoulder will usually give a feminine look to the subject.

hmm interesting, i knew none of that ha.

klandell wrote in post #12186630
The reflection in the window in #2 is distracting to me. I believe I can see somebody's feet in it.

agreed, but I don't see any feet

Carter N wrote in post #12186850
I was merely elaborating on what I meant by 'stepping out of my comfort zone', a.k.a "Shooting portraits wasn't what made me uncomfortable, the type of shoot was." I mean of course these shots took 2 minutes to set up, this wasn't a cover shoot for GQ, jesus. I agree that the background is distracting but the client expressed a distaste for solid colors or the impression of a backdrop so it is what it is... As for posing, I guess I just don't know how to pose dudes.

No, it wasnt a GQ shoot, but it was somebody's senior portrait. You project that you dont care, and it shows is all I'm saying.

gonzogolf wrote in post #12186866
No, it wasnt a GQ shoot, but it was somebody's senior portrait. You project that you dont care, and it shows is all I'm saying.

lol I worked with what I was given man, the clients have taken delivery and loved the finished set. That is all I care about.