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12/27/2008 01:15:17 AM · #1 |
I got brave today - shot two new SPs. If you'd care to critique them I would appreciate the feedback.
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12/27/2008 01:50:48 AM · #2 |
Hey Shutter,
First off merry Christmas! Now, onto the self-portraits. Personally, I think self-portraits are some of the most difficult kinds of photography to do. When look at yours the first thing that jumps off at me is that I don't like that background colors compared to your hair and sweater. I think either a darker background or one that maybe is similar in tone would work better than the baby blue. That being said, your lighting is well done. You have your catch-lights in the right positions and the second one is a well done Rembrandt lighting technique (a bit of light on the eye away from the light). Rembrandt is better suited for darker backgrounds in my opinion also. Well done on the lighting though. Other than that keep posting! :)
Evan |
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12/27/2008 02:22:05 AM · #3 |
TY for the critique. I have limited backdrops so I went with the blue as I felt it may help draw my eyes out more. I'm hoping to get some more background colors once the finances allow.
Happy Holidays to you too. |
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12/27/2008 04:23:59 AM · #4 |
| I like the second one better, Linda, but that's because I've never been a big fan of hands on the face in portraits - just a personal preference of mine. I'm pretty sure you can change the color of your backdrop in post processing, but I never have been very successful at that sort of thing. I like the light, especially on your hair (which is a gorgeous color, by the way) and you did a very good job of getting yourself in good focus. The pose seems a bit "posed" but overall very warm and natural in both cases. Pretty good work, I'd say! |
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12/27/2008 04:59:22 AM · #5 |
| TY Mel - I appreciate the comments. I too prefer the second shot - I am more relaxed, but guess I cannot totally get away from the posed look. I may play around a bit and try to figure out how to change the background color ... and suggestions on which colors to pick from out of the sweater? |
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12/27/2008 07:35:44 AM · #6 |
Hey Linda - nice relaxed poses . . and a nice new camera to take them with :- )
I have to say that I've never done an SP yet so your way ahead of me here . . but I would agree with  melethia that your hair has come out wonderfully and the focus looks very good, is the crop too tight ? maybe . . but for a first attempt I reckon they look pretty good.
The only thing you might need to do is balance the lighting a bit more as it is obviously coming in from one side - unless that is the look you were after . . a reflector might well be enough if you don't have any other lights ?
Message edited by author 2008-12-27 07:37:12. |
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12/27/2008 08:46:48 AM · #7 |
| I like you in the second photo, but the lighting in the first photo. |
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12/27/2008 10:11:28 AM · #8 |
| I agree that your hairlight looks very good. I prefer the first portrait you did. There is a better tilt to the head there and adding the hand gave it a bit of interest. You do look a little stiff but that will improve with time and practice ;) When shooting an SP, I find the best pose is when I am sitting up straight and then leaning one way or the other or when I am standing. I like to lean toward the camera but occasionally I will lean slightly back and to one side. Here is something to try: When you get your pose all figured out, close your eyes for a few minutes and shake it out. Then, repose and take the photo. Works like a charm :) |
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12/27/2008 10:59:43 AM · #9 |
The poses are OK with a slight modification, I would suggest that you "Turkey Neck" it as I try to remember to tell my clients(doesnt always work). But if you look at the neck area of your photos you will notice the double chin, wrinkly skin. If you pull your shoulders slightly back and push your chine forward a bit it will stretch all of that out, and yet still look natural. One thing to try is to get a longer mirror and set in front of it, and critic your pose and find the little things. Its very tough to do IMHO but the little things are what make the portrait really work.
I like the hair light, but I'd like to see a bit of fill from camera right, a reflector low and to your right would bring a bit more light to the left side of your face and help fill in the eyes which are a bit dark and almost racoon eyed. The last thing is try to raise camera's viewpoint just a touch more, it will also help with the neck area.
The hardest thing for most photographers is to be in front of the camera, I know taking an SP for me is like pulling teeth. I commend you for jumping in front.
Matt
Message edited by author 2008-12-27 11:00:41.
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12/27/2008 01:09:27 PM · #10 |
Linda, I prefer the pose in the first one.
As you probably know, I don't do a lot of portraits ;-) but my love of the uncluttered comes in handy with all different types of photography.
My suggestions would be to get rid of the high backed chair, with your hair color and creamy skin I'd go for a less colored background and I'd wear something with one color - no distracting stripes.
You have a beautiful smile and, as soon as you learn to relax in front of your camera, you should get some wonderful images (mind you, I'm saying this as someone who goes into shock as soon as a camera is pointed at them ;-)
Happy holidays and (hugs),
Irene
Edit for typos
Message edited by author 2008-12-27 14:14:40. |
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12/27/2008 01:58:01 PM · #11 |
...
Message edited by author 2008-12-28 16:19:48. |
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