For a portfolio

I am helping my cousin establish a portfolio. I took these photos early last year and was deciding which one I would start her off with. Would like comments to see if these would be worth printing for her.

Art

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Out of the two, I prefer the second.

For a portfolio, you want to show HER mostly, so the first one is out, in my opinion.
Number 005 in your link is a good one also. Portfolios should also show versatility. Take one from this shoot..get different clothes and backgrounds, and take lots more. Take one from that shoot, and move on. etc.

Thanks mickle.

Thanks ootsk. What if I were to crop the first one to show mostly her?

Art

I don't think the first one lends itself to just a face photo. Cropping closer would include the grate, her arms up at an angle, etc.
Get your longest zoom, put her far, far away from a dark background such as a treeline. That will blur the background and focus the attention only on her face, and not have distracting objects behind her.

I'm going to be extremely honest:

What is the intention with this portfolio? The first image she has a really odd facial expression, almost like she's "dead". In the second she looks like she has no feelings either. Maybe I'm just old and don't get fashion. She's a very cute girl, so I think I would want to see more sparkle in her eyes, more life. The poses don't feel very flattering either. The second one is better than the first, but I would want her look more "sexy" if you know what I mean, with some better poses.

Nice photos, both but I would think a smile would help the second a whole bunch. I agree, the first is two wide. Pretty lady and I'll bet she's got a great smile.

I looked at your gallery..........and I think this is the best shot of the bunch.

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great pictures, I view them all at your pbase account.
great setting and wonderful surroundings.
Beautiful girl.

where's the smile?
-david

Thanks again ootsk. And especially thanks for the suggestion.

Thanks Dave. I agree with you about the smile. I didn't get very many of her that day with a smile. Now, whenever I take pictures of her I make sure she smiles on most of them. And yes, she does have a great smile.

Thanks roanjohn. I don't mind you linking at all. Agree about the face being overexposed. It was cloudy that day and I had just gotten my 420EX and it was the first time I used it. Really didn't know what I was doing. Tried to fix that in PS2 but made it worse so I just left it alone.

Thanks L Digital for your kind comments.

Art

Thanks so much for your honesty. First, I haven't had the opportunity to welcome you back, so welcome back. You have been missed around here.

The reason for the portfolio is she would like to be a model, if that is what you are asking. I should have explain this earlier. This were taken last May for her wearing her Senior Prom Dress and nothing more. It was the very first time I attempted portrait photos. I didn't know what I was doing at that time and still don't know But we she told me she wanted to be a model and if I can help her build a portfolio. I thought one of these would be a good start.

As far as her needing to look more "sexy," I know what you mean.

Art

Seriously, the lack of smile was totally my fault. I was so worried about getting the shots right I wasn't even paying attention to her. Talk about learning the hard way. I look back and regret it because she does have a lovely smile.

Art

I know what you mean, but at least next time you'll think about it!
Thats the best way to learn. There are so many mistakes I make each time, but afterwards I kick myself for it, and make sure not to do it again.

keep at it
-david

I like the second one better too, but I think it's a little soft.