First time with portraits

Today was my first time on a dedicated shoot for portraits. I never imagined photographing people could be so much fun.

My ex decided to help me out while I get a hang of it.

My setup for this was the 50D - sigma 30mm - 580ExII flash and then a large styrofoam board to bounce the flash off.

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Not bad. The last shot is my favorite. Nice cleat shots. From this I am starting to think I am going to pick up a Sigma lens. It would be the only one I own.

Love the bokeh and pp is nice.
3 is my fav
Lighting is amazing especially since you used "large styrofoam board to bounce the flash off." She's lit really well in #3, how large was the styrofoam?

Really nice...I like 2

like the eyes
number 2 for me

For your first time you did an excellent job. Keep at it and keep posting I kinda like the first myself.

Nice shots! I just picked up a Sigma 30mm myself and love it.

yeah, the sigma 30mm is definitely a lens I don't regret buying.

the Styrofoam board wasn't actually that large, maybe 50cmx30cm.

I really appreciate the comments since I'll be doing a lot more of these any advice to better myself is welcomed

Very nice. Nice sharp eyes on the first. I love the third one. For the second one, get a cheap umbrella and shoot thru it, that'll soften up and scatter the light a bit so u won't get that shadow under the chin. Great work!

was the flash on camera?

yes, the flash was on the camera, I'm getting transmitters and a 430exII as a secondary next week

I'm in love with these shots, well done.

The color and sharpness in the first shot is amazing. Nice work...

The lighting looks good but a bit flat (too straight on) Try rotating the flash to the side and bounce it off the reflector and back onto the subject at a 45 deg angle to add some depth to the pics. A bit of shadowing will dramatically enhance the shots. This is easier if you have the wireless triggers but not too hard just using angles

They all look pretty good, especially for a first try. The light is a bit flat but that is also safe. I'm really liking #2. It has a bit more shadow definition and the expression is just wonderful, natural, and happy.