why is it so hard to find an original name for a thread around here? :D

because we are all doing the same things

I got a friend of mine out for a portrait shoot do try to improve on the things that were pointed out on my first portrait thread.

the main thing was that the lighting was a bit flat, so I tried to improve on that. Although I'm not sure if I succeeded.

I like #2, in fact I think it's my favorite. Who know's if that's worth anything though

It's worth something to me

G3ML1NGZ-

Your friend is very pretty and you captured that with out a doubt. She looks fun to shoot with so your a lucky guy. Please understand that I am learning also, and have a long way to go, so what I say is my guess....things I notice.....but your style is your style and if you took them the way you wanted, and they turned out how you expected, then they are perfect.

#1- Looking at the catchlight in her eyes, the flash was either on camera or just off camera right. Although it s a good shot (my favorite in the bunch), the lighting is still slightly flat on her face. Very little shadow to show any depth and I think the lighting may be ok, but a slight turn of the body might have provided a little more depth. It looks like it gets a little hot in chest area into the white shirt. You lose some definition there. With that said, its definitely a keeper and one I would be proud having in my portfolio. Just from personal curiosity, I would like to have seen a full length view as the background looks pretty cool.

#2 I dont like the lens glare but love the sun shining through and the location. Again, a slight turn of the body would have helped and I would like to see eye contact because of the pose. I am one that doesnt mind the "daydreaming into space look" but on this one I would think eye contact would have been an advantage, but another keeper, in my opinion. As for the lighting, very well done.

#3 Cute pose. The part that ruins it is she is peeking around the tree into the tree. This is definitely one that she should be peeking at the camera. Again, well lit.

#4 Although cute....I do that to my bulldog. Did you give her a treat afterwards? I dont think this is a flattering pose. This would be my one cull with #3 barely making the cut.

2, 3, and 4 have no eye contact just leaving #1 to show off those beautiful eyes. I like the lighting, and think they were well executed....just have minor issues with the poses. Dont forget the rule of thirds. They werent perfectly centered, but some were close.

Again, take my critique for what they it's worth. Nobody has sent me a check yet for C&C...so its not worth much if anything.

thanks a lot for your time and pointers

I'll get transmitters and a secondary flash soon so I'll be able to move the flash around more, until then I'm stuck with it on the camera and bouncing it. But I get what you're saying about shadows.

The poses I left up to her, I gave some pointers and ideas. And I know what you mean about the rubber duck on her head, I don't get that either

but again,thanks for the tips and I'll read up on the rule of thirds a little better