First "photoshoot"...

Well summer school has ended for me so I decided to read up as much as I can on photography and put my camera to good use. My friends wanted some pictures taken of them so we decided to do a little shoot. Here are a couple from the set, please let me know how I can improve!


This was pretty heavily processed to dim the sunlight down and bring more of the subject out.

Very nice shots, especially for your first photoshoot! I love the first one, the only real critique I might have on it, is I wish she were slightly brighter. But that's more of a personal preference, I still thing the photo is lovely.

I actually really like the composition in the second one, as well. Good job! you should be proud!

Thanks for the kind words! The first photo was a challenge for me, I think the sun really washed out the color. I think i need to learn the camera more and maybe get a lens hood for some of these sun shots.

Practice makes perfect! Errr, practice makes you closer to perfect I really do like it though, the way it is. For the type of photo, with that nice light haze, it looks really nice. I got a lens hood for the exact same reason, it definitely helps, but sometimes you want those imperfections. Breaking the rules is fun

First one is just too much sun for me, and she looks unhappy.

Second is cuter, but the composition could be better? I would think they would be thrilled to do another shoot?

You've made an excellent start.

David

In the first one, I would have exposed for the face and let the sun blow out the background.

The second one has some nice light that you have caught.

Concentrate on learning to "see the light", that is the key.

Search on google and read other critiques on this forum.

Mark

You are off to a good start.

For number one, as someone already mentioned, you should have exposed for her face and let the highlights blow out. I would have added a fill flash to that shot to help with the exposure.

Number two has wonderful light in it and the shot is pretty good. Some tidbits for future composition thoughts. Try not to cut off legs below the knee. Above the knee is generally fine but below the knee is disconcerting as people look like they are floating. Also watch out for stray hands and such. Again, fill flash or a reflector if you had a friend along would have helped the exposure on the face of the girl on the left.

I really appreciate the tips everyone! Taking photos like this is a lot like racing to me. I can plan everything and tell myself what I need to do. But when I get in the moment, the adrenaline kicks in and I forget everything haha.