First Attempt at Senior Pictures, C&C Please

This is the first time I've ever tried taking senior pictures. It helps when you have such a photogenic subject. I'd appreciate any feedback. I've uploaded a few samples here http://s177.photobucke​t.com …s/w206/jsolenbe​rg/Senior/

Here are a couple that I like from this shoot.

1.

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I like #2 best for the poses and composition. #1 looks alright but I personally don't like the composition..I think the portrait version on your site looks much better. #3 the way she's standing causes her stomach to pop out a little. Unless she likes it, I think a tighter crop on the upper body would be better for the shot. Watch the harsh lighting on #2 though (sun and fill?). What did you use for your flash setup? Overall, excellent series for your first time. My first time definitely didn't turn out that good.

Thanks, that's exactly what I was looking for. Now that you mention it, I think I agree with your comment about #1.

#2 - given the location and time of day, not much choice there. The sun was beating down on us for that one. Fill flash was absolutely necessary. If I hadn't used a flash, the shadows from the sun would have been horrible. (I used a 580EX on a Stroboframe bracket for almost all of the shots, and used the sun as a side & backlight).

#3 - I hadn't noticed that until you said that. I have lots more (including tigher crops) that I haven't processed yet. Thanks again for the comments!

I am just an amateur so take anything I say with a truck load of salt. One small thing in picture 2 what is that red thing in her hair? Another, change your perspective. Don't always shoot from above. Shoot at her eye level or below. I like image image_0290 but not image_0287.

genebrowder wrote in post #3843312
...One small thing in picture 2 what is that red thing in her hair?...

That's funny. I just noticed that right before I read your post. Turns out it's some little flower-type thing from the plant behind her head. Looks like a little Photoshop is needed.

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Phil Light wrote in post #3843310
#2 - given the location and time of day, not much choice there. The sun was beating down on us for that one. Fill flash was absolutely necessary. If I hadn't used a flash, the shadows from the sun would have been horrible. (I used a 580EX on a Stroboframe bracket for almost all of the shots, and used the sun as a side & backlight).

shooting with sun is tough...I end up having the subjects put their backs to the sun most of the time. I guess that isn't always possible though huh?

Did you have any diffusers on your 580ex?

Phil, the 2nd shot is really great. I like it.

genebrowder wrote in post #3843312
...Don't always shoot from above. Shoot at her eye level or below...

I forgot to mention, I shot lots of angles. I've got many more pictures to process. It's kind of funny to me that the first ones I picked out to upload just happened to be almost exclusively from above. I must subconsciously prefer that angle.

Vermin87 wrote in post #3843689
shooting with sun is tough...I end up having the subjects put their backs to the sun most of the time. I guess that isn't always possible though huh?

True, and like I said above, I still have lots more to get through - many of those with the sun to her back and I think many of those turned out with a very nice exposure.

Vermin87 wrote in post #3843691
Did you have any diffusers on your 580ex?

I did have an Omnibounce diffuser on in some shots and off in others. Unfortunately, I don't remember which.

Slave wrote in post #3843715
Phil, the 2nd shot is really great. I like it.

Thank you, even though by today's standards the lighting technically may be a little harsh, I still really like that one too. She and her mom haven't seen the pictures yet, but I know they will LOVE that one. They were both great to work with.

I agree the second shot is a great one! Great job with the pictures.

I like the second one best also. Lighting appears just right for a pleasing facial tone. All these are nicely done.

#1 The black top she has on doesn't jive well with this shot. It leaves a void where color seems to be more appropriate.
#2 has hot spots and shadows on her face. You should have tried a day that didn't have bright sunlight.
#3 is an awkward compositon. You are shooting her from her side and you have her in the middle of your frame - so she is taking up not much of the entire frame.