First Model Shoot - DPChallenge Forums

03/28/2005 09:16:41 PM · #1

First off, links below are NOT work safe....

That said, this is my first attempt at photgraphing a model friend of mine Juliette

I would appreciate any suggestions/thoughts on both the original photo, and my editing job.

I didn't have very good lighting to work with, so I had to use the built in flash on my camera.

Juliette Original

Juliette Sepia

Also any comments/suggestions for the model are welcome as well, as she will be viewing this thread.
Thanks in advance

moodville

Nikon D100

03/28/2005 09:25:17 PM · #2

The background is mostly the problem. Shooting against a solid background is usually best whether it is a wall or a sheet. There is also another item to her right that is distracting in the background too. It also seems a little dark and could do with a levels/curves increase. It kinda looks like she was playing with her snake in the corner of the room and you snapped the picture.

kdkaboom

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

03/28/2005 09:28:35 PM · #3

I have to agree w/ moodville. I'll add that it's a bit snapshotish and the setting and pose isn't really flattering to her or the composition. It's cool that you're trying new things though! I have yet to venture there... Good luck!

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM

03/28/2005 11:26:39 PM · #4

Thanks for the suggestions. It pretty much was in the corner of the room, as i really don't have much room to shoot where I'm at. I probably could've used something for the backdrop though. Juliette isn't a member here, but here's a response from here as well.

"Have you ever tried to 'POSE' with a snake? It's not easy at all, as they are constantly on the move, so no matter what, it will still be somewhat of a snapshot. That's not to say that a different pose or angle wouldn't have bettered the picture, but considering this was a first for both the photographer and myself (I never have worked with a snake until then and him never photographing a model), it's bound to have it's flaws. But totally appreciate all comments and suggestions, as it is those suggestions that help me improve over time!" ~Juliette

Thanks again, and any other suggestions/thoughts are still appreciated.

love

Canon EOS-500D Rebel T1i

03/28/2005 11:43:34 PM · #5

I think she should be totally nude and with no background as stated..could be fabulous if you played a bit more

cbeller

Nikon D300

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 16-85 f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

03/28/2005 11:51:29 PM · #6

The lighting seems pretty boring and your white balance looks off (the sepia adds nothing IMHO). To make the lighting a bit more interesting try just using a single incadecent light off to one side in a dark room to get some shadows.

Since the snake is being used as an excuse, I'd loose it and work on getting the poses and lighting down before adding in the complexity of a slithering prop. ;-)

Keep working at it and posting your results.

gwphoto

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

03/29/2005 12:07:18 AM · #7

Originally posted by cbeller:

I agree completely. Get the lighting and pose down first.

Curious

03/29/2005 02:20:37 AM · #8

I'm inclined to ask...What is the mood or theme that you were trying to achieve with the image. You have all the "parts" of an image but I feel that, because of the reasons stated above, the image doesn't communicate anything specific in the way of emotion, story or mood. I respect the fact that both of you are trying something new but this information does not add to the objective appreciation of the image. I believe that a light source other than the flash would add worlds of dimension to this type of shoot. You might need to use a tripod though.

Good on you for trying something new. I hope to see more work in the future.

03/29/2005 11:02:21 PM · #9

Thanks all. I will try to work on some better lighting and backdrop and see what I can do. As for the mood or theme, I'm not really sure. I mainly just thought Juliette and the snake would make some nice pictures. But this was my first shoot, and was really just taking some practice shots, and hoping to improve.

Sunniee

Canon EOS-40D

03/29/2005 11:08:04 PM · #10

One minor suggestion... never photograph the face with the nose breaking the line of the face. Hope that helps.... keep shooting!

03/29/2005 11:16:00 PM · #11

Originally posted by Sunniee:

One minor suggestion... never photograph the face with the nose breaking the line of the face. Hope that helps.... keep shooting!

Thanks I'll keep that in mind. Do you think just getting a lower angle would of helped?

Sunniee

Canon EOS-40D