Portrait in NYC

Hi all, join POTN a month or so ago and been reading up since I'm new to the DSLR world. Just wanted some helps or suggestion since I've been taking quite a few portrait shots of my gf and family. But as you can see on this one, the hand is cut off. Just wondering if i should have moved back more and get the hands or closer to take more of a top body shot only. All suggestions welcome for me to improve, thanks!

Do you know Chunli?? Reminds me of his work...

is this how it came out of the camera...no crop?

if so shoot wider so you have more options

Flo wrote in post #10587087
Do you know Chunli?? Reminds me of his work...

LOL, when you said 'Do you know Chunli??', I thought you meant my GF look like Chun Li, but after your second sentence, i did a search and it was actually a user.

will227457 wrote in post #10587142
is this how it came out of the camera...no crop?

if so shoot wider so you have more options

Yes, it is straight from camera, no crop. Was using the nifty fifty, still saving for a good walkaround len which will be my next purchase instead of the kit len.

A few thoughts:

What are you trying to illustrate with the photo? Is it your GF? Your GF in the NY environment? Depending on what you want to show, you can frame and compose as appropriate. In this case I find the background slightly distracting. It also doesn't help that I can't see the subject's eyes - I think this photo would have benefitted could I see her eyes.

"portrait" orientation (vertical) is called "portrait" for a reason . Try shooting that way!

i keep looking at the cab and not your pretty model. maybe different background?

howzitboy wrote in post #10598008
i keep looking at the cab and not your pretty model. maybe different background?

Well, i wanted to take the picture of my gf, but have the background be know that it is indeed NYC, hence the yellow cab and the big Apple store in the background. I thought she would stand out still with her red dress and the background being out of focus. My question still is that does her hand look awkward cut off like that. LOL.