Photoshoot in the park - Critique Welcomed!

This is from a photoshoot I did for my friends. It was my first time and I was doing a lot of experimenting. I know the lighting is kind of harsh, we are planning to back at a different time of day, but let me know what you think of composition and whatnot so I can improve for the next shoot. Thanks so much! C & C welcome!

1.

The first one,I think you could get closer, make them fill more of the frame and still maintain the feel.

I like the second one a lot. I have always wanted to try that. Nice color too!

The third would work if you cropped it differently. You cut off their toes!

Thanks Vetteo! I'll definitely pay attention to feet next time!

Is this a better composition?

Definitely closer! A happy medium would be best... a little less tree, a little more sky!

Thanks so much Vetteo! I'll keep this in mind next time!

i'm sure you're aware but watch your exposure too. in 1 and 3 it looks like the metering took into account the sunny areas.

polarbare wrote in post #6177216
i'm sure you're aware but watch your exposure too. in 1 and 3 it looks like the metering took into account the sunny areas.

I'm new to this, so how can I avoid my meter doing this? I took all of the pics in manual mode. Do I need to adjust the white balance? Any info is very much appreciated!!

I am no expert, but what I think I know of metering is, to move in close and get a light reading off the subject themself.... Preferably, her cheek using th einternal metering system. Then zoom out or back out to where you need to be to compose the image. Make sure the readings you got of her cheek close up are the same reading you set for manual exposure when you stand far back. The meter will be flashing to tell you otherwise, but don't be fooled by the back lighting. Possibly use FILL-FLASH to light up the shadows a bit. if it is over-exposed, try and compensate somewhere in between what the manual setting you had vs the cameras suggested settings.

I hope I am not mistaken here.....

#1 and #3 could have used a lot of fill/flash.
Repost of #1, the tree isn't very interesting. This would probably be better as a portrait with full bodies. -- Don't hold the rule of 1/3 as sacred, break them if you need to.

#2 is the best of the trio in my opinion, good composition, good colors, excellent gestures.

I agree, number 2 being the best.

I would love the 1st one if the sun was on the other side of the photo. Your friend got lucky!

It looks like the focus on the 1st was on the grass in the foreground.

In #1 the focus is not where it should be, focus is on the grass instead of the couple. The dynamic range of the scene seems to be beyond what the camera can capture, the sky is badly blown and the subjects are in shades that lack detail.

#2 is great, love the idea, composition, picture, everything!

#3 is a good picture a little underexposed, I think it needs some fill flash

Luigi

Thanks for the advice everyone! This was basically practice for when we actually go out and shoot, so the criticism is very helpful!!!

He must be a very very funny guy

she's gorgeous, I like #2 a whole lot. The faces seem a little dark in the others in my opinion but everyone already covered that