First ever portraits-Not bad, or hang up my camera for a good?

First ever REAL portrait session, would love some critique on my work and how I did. Totally down for a super harsh critique, trying to learn from people who have way more experience, wisdom and talent.

Here's the full album, with downloadable versions for consideration: https://flic.kr/s/aHsm​4eEDEs

I think these are pretty good, no shadows on the background which is nice. I think on the black and white, I would add a bit of contrast perhaps? Teeth touch-up is an interesting skill all on its own, and possibly on the color photo, you might want to do that. I like #1 a bit better, but probably because it is more traditional for a website shot for "meet our team", etc.

http://www.makeuseof.c​om …st-photo-using-photoshop/

TeamSpeed wrote in post #18401066
I think these are pretty good, no shadows on the background which is nice. I think on the black and white, I would add a bit of contrast perhaps? Teeth touch-up is an interesting skill all on its own, and possibly on the color photo, you might want to do that.

Better you think? or too much? His skin is pretty good, but I'm just worried about bringing out the pores too much. It's probably a salt too taste thing, but I think the added punch really helps .

I like to use an adjustment brush on the eyeballs and teeth with about a 1/3rd stop of exposure and a small white level boost of about 5-10 in light room. That's a decent base starting point to make eyes and teeth pop without being a cartoon
1/3rd stop might seem minuscule but I find I cannot got back to without it once I see it.

Camofelix wrote in post #18401073
Better you think? or too much? His skin is pretty good, but I'm just worried about bringing out the pores too much. It's probably a salt too taste thing, but I think the added punch really helps .

Hosted photo: posted by Camofelix in
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forum: Critique Corner

i would have just brightened the whites rather than moving whites and blacks

Left Handed Brisket wrote in post #18401135
i would have just brightened the whites rather than moving whites and blacks

Ahhh, ok gotcha. How's about this? (thank you so much for your help btw)

Looks good, but maybe sharpen (at least eyes & teeth) a bit and fix the small black spot on his right second-from-center upper tooth.

I will be concern about increasing the overall highlights of the image. The first thing my eye is drawn to is his forehead, since it's way too bright and in a direct competition against the other brighter spots on the image.
Eyes should be the first thing you see and where the main contrast resides IMHO.

Best regards

yeah, i think you went too far with highlights in post 6. Check his forehead and collar, both have, or are close to, blown out.

shadows on the left side of his face look great though compared to post 3.

in other words, shadows of post 6 and highlights of post 3 would be where i leave it.

Awesome, thank's so much everyone! I may have gone too far on the teeth (both the eyes and the teeth were the same layer)

The impression was taken good. It is one of the main challenges in portrait photography.

Cutting hair off like on this or leaving no space for framing above fully taken head like on that is not good. The rest is OK with me, with slight feel of the dull.

Here is one online store from Ontario on ebay. They have very good prices (might be better what USA) for Tamron. I recommend 28-75 2.8 for portraits (if still made) or newer one. Or get it used. It is not going to be expensive, but was in use by portraits photographers. My daughter used it for paid portrait sessions as well.

Camofelix wrote in post #18401866
Awesome, thank's so much everyone! I may have gone too far on the teeth (both the eyes and the teeth were the same layer)

Even in this latest version, when I minimize the screen brightness, the teeth conspicuously stand out. They're the brightest area. He looks a little predatory, like a danger to small animals.

In general, I'd prefer a more relaxed pose. I don't know how much expression you could have got out of this subject or what kind of emotional tone he wanted in a portrait, but his smile is posed rather than friendly.

Cropping the hair is a controversial thing to do. It's not right and it's not wrong.
The teeth are too bright imo. The eyes are good though.
The goal imo should be enough extra you don't realize you did anything until you disable it and it looks a bit dull without.

Several company web sites have personnel portraits with partial head shots, just a seasonal thing I am sure, but it is certainly something others are doing.

Never, ever ask a group of strangers, even generally friendly sorts, about hanging your camera or anything else.

Your first attempts could have been much worse. Your second through tenth tries may be better or worse. There's no reason for your eventual standard to be anything other than high given an investment in time and effort.