First attempts at portraits, C&C please

Hey guys, I took my first whack at portraits today. Using only natural light. I've been doing this for just about 5 weeks, so let me have it, but also give me some advice! Thanks alot.

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# 2 and the last one do it for me, the others just simply lack composition really.
They just look like quick snapshots.
Again, 2 and the last one are great! More like that!

*sorry, images didn't finish loading. The wider version of the sitting on the pier shot was what I meant.

Hint, number your images when posting more than one. It simplifies critiques

Can you elaborate? They were just snaps technically. I didn't know what to look for, but now I see that I should make sure hair, position, and expression are more natural and pleasing.

On that sitting shot, I think it would be even better if she were further to the left in the crop imho

To elaborate, the tight crops and beautiful backgrounds are more appealing. The other shots just seem like they were shot with someone's point n shoot, they just are lacking that portrait feel.
Great shots though man, definetly amazing for first shot at them!

I like #2 & the last one... the others composition wise aren't good for me... I'll let others with more exp. speak to the lighting and tech side....

I'm also a newbie but these are just the things I noticed.

I love the last photo as it's the only one that does not look like a regular "snapshot" pose. Only thing is that lamp pole in the background seems to be sticking out of her head

Also number 2 with the backlight, gives her a glowing look which is good, but I think her face is a little under exposed. Fill flash would probably do the trick here. Lastly those trees in the background also appears to be sticking out of her head

Just my 2 cents buddy, like I said I'm a newbie myself

Beautiful backgrounds, great color, and they seem sharp.

With the exception of #3 they are under exposed. #3 is getting there but still a bit dark. You need some fill light on her face.

Yes, what Titus said.

Nice, but ...

- in #s 1 and 2, always try to be aware of back lighting.
- in #3 .. not sure what you mean by color separation .. but composition is more of an issue...
- too much dead or negative space above her head in #3
- #s 5 and 6 .... Always be aware of the background. Watch for background objects protruding out of the head... You could move slightly to the left or right to stop the street lights from being attached to her head.

Ah, thanks guys! I will keep all of this in mind the next time I have time to take a whack at it. You are very helpful!

Titus213 wrote in post #11577275
Beautiful backgrounds, great color, and they seem sharp.

With the exception of #3 they are under exposed. #3 is getting there but still a bit dark. You need some fill light on her face.

I had to make a choice, blow out the background or underexpose. I tried to compromise. Here's a bit of updated PP, any better?

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It is a challenge to use natural light but then you have to position your subject in such a way that she catches that light in the best way. In #1 and #2 there is back light so the face is in shadow and a fill flash would have helped.
In the other ones you caught the late afternoon or evening light (or was it morning ) That can be very nice ("golden hour") but plays havoc with the skin tones.
Others already commented on composition and "noisy" background.....

kaptnkain wrote in post #11580290
I had to make a choice, blow out the background or underexpose. I tried to compromise. Here's a bit of updated PP, any better?

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A bit better but what you have to do is increase the exposure on her and not the entire scene. Balancing will only accomplish a limited amount and generally results in an image that is just not that pleasing. Thus the use of fill flash when taking the image.

In photoshop I left the background as is and selected just her for a bump, added some warmth, and some contrast.

I like your composition and the background and of course your lovely model.

Ah, I didn't go as far as putting it through PS. I just used the brush tool in LR (Which admittedly, is sort of lacking) to up the exposure of her. I'll try with PS.