My first portrait attempt.

Hi all,

I went to my first outdoor portrait workshop and this is my first attempt at a portrait (apart from the odd snapshot). I was really nervous about stuffing up the camera settings...

Nice outdoors shot.

pretty good for a first attempt.


For futre shoots, having the reflector or light source higher will create a bit more natural lighting pattern on the face. You can see by the catchlight where it was placed, and it should always be higher in the eye. Below the half way point is usually monster lighting, think holding a flashlight below you at night kinda feel, just less noticeable here.

I know its hard to do as you were shooting up to her, just food for thaught.

And when you look at others portraits, lok where the arms are. they are the hardest thing to mess with, as the model will always feel clumbsy with them.

Good advice^^

I like it. Nice first attempt!

Thanks everyone and thanks for the advice. Good point about reflectors/diffusers. The workshop was on using reflectors and unfortunately, with the sun high in the sky, the reflector had to be held lowish. I guess outdoor portraits should be done early morning or late afternoon hey?

Sunrise and sunset are my choice times of the day to shoot, but be a rebel and shoot when you like.

I agree about the hands/arms. It's the toughest thing for me to get someone to hold just right. Unless the person has chewed up nails I like to keep the fingers visible.

I wouldn't have any complaints about your shot though. Very nice.

I have no idea on the reflectors or AM/PM as I can barely remember which eye to put the camera up to. But, I think this is a real nice first attempt. Hope you post more in the furture.

Greg

Great first attempt. Very pretty model.

Awesome job! I agree about moving the reflector up. You may have been subjected to a smaller panel that couldn't come up much. Looks like you're on your way!

Thanks guys.

One of the instructor/photographe​r had this HUGE reflector panel and it sure did light up the model, but left this massive reflection in her eyes which just about covered them up. There's such a lot to learn

Personally, I make sure that the cheeks never rest on anything. I just tell them to gently place there cheek against their hand or whatever, so that the cheek is not misshapen.

NewbieXT wrote in post #2169071
Personally, I make sure that the cheeks never rest on anything. I just tell them to gently place there cheek against their hand or whatever, so that the cheek is not misshapen.

Hmmm. Good point and thanks for that advice. I was spoiled; this was an experienced model who knew not to "squash" anything up But I must remember that for the models who aren't experienced.

I think it would look better cropped at the tree...more of a square format. I do disagree about the reflector though. A mainlight should be above the eyes, but a reflector is just to bounce SOME light to fill in the shadows, not a main light source. Go by the results of the shadows, not the reflections in the eyes. I see no ill effects from having the reflector down that low.

Gosh, it looked really good to me. And then I read the comments/suggestions. And now it looks really good to me. The light looks about perfect.

Seriously, for a first time this is good. And so is the advice given to improve it.

Here's my attempt at a more square crop.

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