A couple portraits C&C

So, I'm just getting into portrait photography more and I wanted to practice my editing, but I didn't have anyone to practice on. I set up my camera exactly how I wanted and had someone take a couple pictures of myself since noone else I knew would volunteer. I did this so that I could practice my PP mainly. Any comments would be great!

(I know the poses and composition aren't great, but that wasn't what I was really focused on)

I like them. True poses aren't the best, but as you said that wasn't your focus. I really like the brownish tone you have going in the PP. Nice job!

Alex.K wrote in post #11745773
I like them. True poses aren't the best, but as you said that wasn't your focus. I really like the brownish tone you have going in the PP. Nice job!

Thank you! Next time I'm going to think things through more and take into consideration a nicer pose. ;]

ImSarah wrote in post #11745783
Thank you! Next time I'm going to think things through more and take into consideration a nicer pose. ;]

Always a good idea. I think anyways. It helps give me ideas for when I go and shoot people other than myself. haha.

Nice images. The lighting is pretty darn good. I love the highlights in your hair. The shallow depth of field is also great for portraits. The harsh contrast with the snow in the background is tough to deal with; too large a dynamic range. Very nice first try at portraits. I can't recall the thread but I believe I came across one that had great advice on posing. Keep shooting and have fun. You shows some real talent.

the only thing obviously wrong witht the two shots is the snow background... blown out a bit and distracting... watch your backgrounds...

I have to say the backgrounds look too nuked for my taste I would love to see a little more detail in the background.

Since you're asking about PP, what did you do to the original images?

Hi,

Nice start. Although, before concentratin on the PP, I would focus more on the technical side of the camera, ie, fstop, shutter speed etc.

The reason I say this (and this may have been accidentally created in PP) is that the background is over exposed.

When you take portraits (or any photo for that matter), you expose to the background first, then use fill light to correctly expose the subject. Though the subject in this image (you), is exposed right, the background isnt.

It will make you PP time significantly less when photographed correctly.

My advice to you

I just find it hard to believe you couldn't find anyone to volunteer to take pictures of you. I would think lots of guys would be lining up to do it.

As mentioned, you made the mistake lots of aspiring portrait photographers make: You exposed for the subject and let the background burn out. It's okay if you have no means of adding fill light, but not ideal. I did the same thing, so it's not uncommon. A cheap reflector or generic speedlight will solve the problem.

Keep shooting.

Thanks everyone for the advice, it's all really helpful!!

gibbit1 wrote in post #11747443
I just find it hard to believe you couldn't find anyone to volunteer to take pictures of you. I would think lots of guys would be lining up to do it.

As mentioned, you made the mistake lots of aspiring portrait photographers make: You exposed for the subject and let the background burn out. It's okay if you have no means of adding fill light, but not ideal. I did the same thing, so it's not uncommon. A cheap reflector or generic speedlight will solve the problem.

Keep shooting.

Hah, well I was really eager to practice yesterday and no one in my family volunteered, but hopefully I'll be able to get some of my friends to do it in the future! I'll definitely work on not blowing out the background...it might be easier to find an area without snow (although that's nowhere right now )