Critique these portraits please!

Hi. I'm just trying to get started as a portrait photographer. These are a few pics I've done so far. I was going to put them on my website as examples of my work.

Do you think they're of a good enough standard? Do they look professionalish?

Please let me know what you think.

Thanks a lot

1.

First and third are the best of the series, but your models look bored and lifeless - you need to interact with them to get some 'spark' happening, even if there's no eye contact with the camera. A decent background would help too. I'm also just starting out with portrait photography, but would not post any of those images on a commercial website.
The last two need quite a bit of work on lighting set up and exposure and PP.
Keep at it though

Thanks for the comments mate. Good points. I like taking pics but not to good at directing models - dunno what to tell them to do.

What do you mean about the lighting in the last 2? Is it too flat? The last one I've processed to make it good/bad like angel/devil type thing which is what the models wanted.

I have to agree with scribe55, its one thing to know how to use your off camera flash properly, but its a whole different game when it comes to knowing what you want to shoot, and how to direct the model. Its something that I am challenged to do as well. Thing about that is, the more practice you get with models, the better you will get. So keep shooting!

ok cool thanks.

I see your point, but considering just the actual photography and editing, what do you think? Not considering the models' expressions and backgrounds etc...

I agree with the expressions on the models as too "lifeless" but in terms of PP... the skin tones are too warm, giving off that fake orange/gold tan look. On the last one, looks like you forgot to desaturate the rest of her arm and shoulder. Also, on no.3, you may want to whiten up her teeth, as they are a bit on the purple side. Composition is pretty good except on no.2 I think. It's always good to have communication with them, at all times, makes them ease up a bit to where you can get them laughing, and feel more comfortable, thus, giving you much more flattering expressions. try avoiding having the models turn their heads up, under the nose shots are unflattering. (5)

Ok thanks, very useful stuff.

In the last one that side of the arm is deliberately oranger - it's supposed to be the warm glow coming from the other model if you know what I mean. Was trying to be a bit creative.

The tones are easily fixed, and I see what you mean about looking up their noses.

Do you think in 1 and 3 I've got a good balance between soft skin and sharp eyes?

No 2 wasn't actually a modelling shot - I was setting up the lighting and caught an over exposed pic of my friend as she was setting up - was an accidental photo, but I really liked how it came out!

Thanks for the comments, much appreciated.

I think they look like good work, but 3 and 5 I would not showcase.

Somehow 4 strikes me as a strong image. The background and her dress strap seem to somehow make my eyes move. Even out her skin a bit. Sneaky pretty lady.

Thanks mate

The soft skin in 1 and 3 look good. Sharpness on 1 is spot on from what I can tell on my screen. On no.3, the eyes do look a bit over sharpened on the upper and lower eye lids/gold makeup, and a little too white on the actual eyes.

Ok thanks, that's helpful, I did wonder about the gold.....

Just an overall thought It seems like you are trying too hard in your post processing and its getting in the way of some nice images. I agree with most of the comments above.

ok cool thanks for the comments