Okay... let me have it...

Here's a quick addition of more right space to your good picture intended to give the male more space and help the mural design in drawing your eyes to the interesting expressions you caught.

Please take it as an up-vote for your work that two days later I still remembered it to go back and play a bit.

That may be a sign that you can work with people just fine.

AZGeorge wrote in post #18899828
Here's a quick addition of more right space to your good picture intended to give the male more space and help the mural design in drawing your eyes to the interesting expressions you caught.

Please take it as an up-vote for your work that two days later I still remembered it to go back and play a bit.

That may be a sign that you can work with people just fine.

Hosted photo: posted by AZGeorge in
./showthread.php?p=188​99828&i=i226429183
forum: Critique Corner

George.. UPVOTE appreciated. Even if you hated the photo and trying to make it better, at least it would have left a lasting impression....
It really does make a difference having the extra room...

Thanks,
Jamey

I'm having a few issues with the posing! Firstly, I personally don't like the foot-against-the-wall look. This is especially true for the male as it appears his right leg is cut off at the knee. This is a big no-no for sports photographers (of which I am one) when athletes are running and I think it also applies here.

Secondly, in the first photo I would not have the woman have her arms folded. Not only does it cut her body in half but it's also indicates separation from the viewer. I know she probably did it in fun but it's definitely something to watch out for when posing people.

I would also like to see her face in the second photo. I don't really know what she looks like. Their poses are mirroring each other in the first photo which is fine, but in the second one I think it would be improved by her also looking at the camera. Her hand placement is much improved though!

They are great photos but the first thing I noticed where the folded arms and the missing legs!

^^^
Body language, folded arms actually means shielding myself. I also was not keen with the feet on the wall.

AnnieMacD wrote in post #18900014
I'm having a few issues with the posing! Firstly, I personally don't like the foot-against-the-wall look. This is especially true for the male as it appears his right leg is cut off at the knee. This is a big no-no for sports photographers (of which I am one) when athletes are running and I think it also applies here.

Secondly, in the first photo I would not have the woman have her arms folded. Not only does it cut her body in half but it's also indicates separation from the viewer. I know she probably did it in fun but it's definitely something to watch out for when posing people.

I would also like to see her face in the second photo. I don't really know what she looks like. Their poses are mirroring each other in the first photo which is fine, but in the second one I think it would be improved by her also looking at the camera. Her hand placement is much improved though!

They are great photos but the first thing I noticed where the folded arms and the missing legs!

Thanks Annie.. I must admit I chuckled when I read your post. The cutting off at the knee. That was funny, but even funnier when I went back and looked at the photo. I see what you mean, but since I was there, I didn't "see" it before you pointed it out. That's something I'll have to watch for moving forward.

These weren't actually poses, but more photographing them being themselves, so all the "poses" are completely natural to their personality. However, with that said, it's definitely something to be conscious of in a more formal shoot.

All great points - thanks for helping out. Much appreciated.

I'm loving this forum... the advice in the critique section is great. Thanks everyone.

Yes, I agree, that the 'poses' are completely natural to them BUT most people, if you leave it to them, will pose like the man and woman in "American Gothic" with bodies and faces facing the camera straight on. In my experience, you can rarely leave the posing to the subjects themselves. I have come across a few people (mostly children) who just know instinctively how to pose but it's very rare, and you will hear photographers describe them as the "camera loves them". It's another whole specialty in the world of photography that I'm just dipping my feet into!

This little girl was a natural. She got no direction at all.

Photo from AnnieMacD's gallery.
Image hosted by forum (900382)

AnnieMacD wrote in post #18900063
Yes, I agree, that the 'poses' are completely natural to them BUT most people, if you leave it to them, will pose like the man and woman in "American Gothic" with bodies and faces facing the camera straight on. In my experience, you can rarely leave the posing to the subjects themselves. I have come across a few people (mostly children) who just know instinctively how to pose but it's very rare, and you will hear photographers describe them as the "camera loves them". It's another whole specialty in the world of photography that I'm just dipping my feet into!

This little girl was a natural. She got no direction at all.

Gallery photo (hosted):
posted by AnnieMacD originally in forum: Flash and Studio Lighting

Agree Completely. I'm also dipping my feet into the posing realm as well. Actually going out with my wife tomorrow morning to try my hand at it in a few different locations. I'm also dipping into "paid shoots", pet shoots, lighting and just photography in general....

NOW... since this is the critique section, I'm going to critique your shot... I didn't take it - That's about all I got.
Nice shot and lovely girl. I love the sharpness of the eyes and the catch light.

Thanks, and good luck. The part of weddings that I like best is when I can pose people and the photos always look better too.

I like the first one best because she has her arms crossed. The human eye likes angles. In the second photo, both of them have their arms hanging down which doesn't seem as nice. The photos are great, however I'm just being nitpicky. Hand placement is one thing I myself struggle with, but there are many options (running hand through hair, behind head, etc).

I generally hate posed shots, very few are actually good in my book. They almost never look like who the person really is. It is a real skill to be able to pose someone and have he image look natural. Most are people being something they aren't.

That said, these feel pretty natural. It shows the relationship between the two. So I have no issues with any of these. Maybe a smidge tighter... but over all... nice shots.