First Portrait Session

My GF friend recently traveled to get some portraits done that she needed for an event. When she got the delivered product she was upset with the results and decided to not use any of the photos that she paid for. Well, my GF volunteered me and I hesitantly said yes. I don't think I am at a level yet where I should do sessions, but because it is a friend and I wasn't going to charge I decided to give it a shot. I have chosen a couple from the session. I would love your thoughts and CC because I want to get better and tips on what to watch for next time. These are two from the set.

My opinion only -

First photo: I do not like the color tint that it has. By trying to do monochrome/b&w, the dark jacket on a dark background doesn't make me want to focus upon her. My eyes are busy looking through the background trying to figure out if there is something I am supposed to find. With the pose she is using, her back is to the larger side of the frame (versus standing camera right side, looking left). Whether you cropped it this way or unintentional, her pinky is cut off. You have left a lot of head room which you can use to your advantage in a portrait. Move/zoom in tighter and have her fill up the frame more (since that is the intent).

Second one similar thoughts on the background. Although it is colorful, this is more of a snapshot in the park. A lot of business is going on behind her: should I look at the pink flowers, the orange thing, the lighter areas, the trees hanging down, etc. Move in or zoom to keep the distractions away from the intended subject (don't have the trees in the background grow out of her head though). You aren't shooting the park, you are shooting her. The pink flowers would make a good back drop and contrast in colors from what she is wearing. The pose is better albeit in the center of the shot. Focus seems off just a little.

If I wanted to improve the second shot, "I" would move approximately 3-4 feet to the right, lower myself to have the camera lens just a little above her and zoom in. This would eliminate the aforementioned items in the background, eliminate the dirt that is seen and you would have a much more pleasant portrait photo.

Keep shooting and keep asking.

Gart

Thanks Gart. I appreciate the tips. I see what you are saying. And yes the pinky was unintentional!

I agree 100% with Gart... couple of things I noticed.

Image 1: I would have either had her turn around or move your camera so that she is "looking" though the image. The way it is now she is facing out of the frame. I may have also tried to shoot it vertically and then compare the two and see what I liked better. I am very ultra picky right now also and I noticed her dress is bunching up at the belt. Try and pay attention to the little things like that also.

Image 2: Gart said everything that I thought also. I would like to add I am not digging how she is in the center of the frame. Sometimes the rule of third can be broken but not with this photo in my opinion.

Good luck and I look forward to seeing more of your work.