Wife

I'm looking at some advice on this photo. I know its not 100 percent. but I would like so feedback please.

ƒ/3.5 70.0 mm 1/100 400 Flash (on, fired)

Josh

I'm not a fan of the pose/expression. the background is distracting. looks like a snapshot.

Good focus... Pretty eyes.. Looks like she made a funny face and she didn't think you could take the photo that fast.... Keep having fun....

I agree with the snapshot look but I think that's exactly what it was...

You have a great model... Set her up in a window and practice with some soft directional light..... Post the results....

Josh - An all important thing with the head and shoulders shot is the background. It's right up there with lighting as being important. Choose an even background for best results. It should be uniform in texture and colour, not a mix of things that might distract. Use the wall behind her, for example without any pictures showing or cutting through her head.

Also, compose to include the whole necklace or neckline. Turning the camera to portrait often works best.

Post some more.

azpix wrote in post #17383140
I'm not a fan of the pose/expression. the background is distracting. looks like a snapshot.

It was didn't think I could get it.

redrocket wrote in post #17383262
Good focus... Pretty eyes.. Looks like she made a funny face and she didn't think you could take the photo that fast.... Keep having fun....

I agree with the snapshot look but I think that's exactly what it was...

You have a great model... Set her up in a window and practice with some soft directional light..... Post the results....

Thanks heaps. My focus was to see if I got the exposure correct and and sharpness of the photo. I'll try that widow shooting with the directional lighting. I'll have to look that up tho.

JGR wrote in post #17383293
Josh - An all important thing with the head and shoulders shot is the background. It's right up there with lighting as being important. Choose an even background for best results. It should be uniform in texture and colour, not a mix of things that might distract. Use the wall behind her, for example without any pictures showing or cutting through her head.

Also, compose to include the whole necklace or neckline. Turning the camera to portrait often works best.

Post some more.

Thanks for the tips. os it better to turn the camera portrait ways.
I'm currently using just the middle focus point cause I don't like it on auto.

You should always be using a single focus point for portraits. I am not sure how many points the 60d has but if you rotate to portrait mode don't hesitate to select a different focus point, just stay with a single point, that makes the most sense for the particular compostion. Focus should always be on the eye that is closest to you.

You mention auto which makes me worry that you are confused into thinking that the dial where you select auto, TV, program, etc has something to do with focus points. If that is your thought process then please go back and re-read the sections on mode selection and auto focus.

+1 to the comments on background

Also not mentioned is that when posing a women if you do change your composition to include neck line of further down the body you almost never want her straight on to the camera. Turn her some so her body is at an angle to the camera, it is much more flattering.

Looks like you have a willing subject who likes to have fun so above all, keep practicing and have fun!

Again a vote for paying attention to the background, I am guessing you were using a pop up flash on this one