[Some portraits]

I'm pretty new to portraits but these are some that I did recently.
I would love any critiques you have.
I use a Digital Rebel XT and 18-55mm lens.

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I like the 2 black and whites

Thanks
I see you use the same camera as me, cool stuff.

I'm just starting out as well and falling in love with portraits/street photography.

#3 is cool.

Thanks, any constructive criticism?

Great photos, love the poses! As for constructive criticism, the background in 1 & 2 is too busy and distracting. The first could be improved by just cropping off the top, where there is a dividing section and the color changes in the wall. The second may look better in B&W because the yellow wall is distracting. But other than that I think they are great and you have heaps of potential!

They're good shots - I really like them.

1) I like it, but the edge of the building is distracting. Also, I'd zoom in on him a little.
2) I think this show is spoilt by the shadows on the brickwork - how about turning him round, and having the door as the background? (Meter off him though, so it isn't over exposed by the metering being tricked by the black background.
3) I think I'd try zooming in on him a little, but it's a great shot, and works wonderfully in black and white - my favourite of all of them.
4) Nice shot, just a shame there's some blown out bits. I really like the point of view you took the shot from - I'd also try asking her to point her eyes at the camera - could be a really nice shot.

These are really good shots - I've got some ideas from them, waiting to see more!

I agree with much of what Goatee says:

1) I also would crop. Though I don't mind the background (the lines), I would crop out all of the door jamb above, and all of the white part of the door by his left elbow. Since he is looking into frame, the fact that he will be off center is NP.

2) At first I did not like the shadow, but now I really do. I agree that it could have stood less exposure, but you can't unring the bell. If it were mine, I would crop a little bit, increase contrast (You have half-way there now, might as well go over the top) but don't let the shadow get lost. Consider monochrome as well.

3) & 4) both work for me as is.

On a personal note, I just want to say thanks for the laugh! I cracked up when I first saw these shots!

I had that same mohawk starting in 1979! Most every Friday or Saturday night found me in Hollywood seeing DK, X, Black Flag, Siouxie (before and with the Banshees), the Adolescents, and so on and so on. Oh wait, even saw The Clash once too!

I think it is amazing that the same stuff that was oh so hip slick and cool back then is still around. And what, this is 27 years later! Can't kids these days find a style of your own!

Rad

Thanks for the tips, I will crop a little bit and see how it works.
Mohawks never go out of style

i really like number 4 has a nice contrast.

Thanks
Here's a few more of Michelle. She was a great model.

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