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12/10/2004 04:56:10 PM · #1 |
Trying my hand at portraits so I used my wife as a model. I could definitely use some feedback as I don't even really know what to look for in portraits to make them any better.
While I think "black top" looks decent to me, something about the one with the hat screams "Bollocks" to me, and I'm not even English. Any comments or suggestions? Thanks!
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12/10/2004 05:05:06 PM · #2 |
I like the black top one. The lighting seems a little flat. I like the noise.
The pose in the hat shot is good, but it is a little dark and could use some USM. The lighting is good just needs a little levels/curves work in PS.
I think the DOF is good in both. Good job.
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12/10/2004 05:05:35 PM · #3 |
| i like them alot, i do like the first one better cause it is a cool pose and inviting look. i think the b&w was a good choice to compliment her dark features. |
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12/10/2004 05:25:32 PM · #4 |
They look really good and professional (*sigh* probably the camera lol) -- did you use any lighting or anything?
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12/10/2004 05:49:30 PM · #5 |
Robert,
I am no expert but in viewing these shots some random reflections came to my mind. . .simply things I liked and did not like. Commenting on them is only my way of helping myself improve my own efforts, by thinking out loud, on your work. With that apology out of the way: I like your model. . . a lot! She is a natural beauty. In all three shots (looked back at "strumming") she can change the mood or feeling with a simple change of clothing. However, that also causes problems because some of those items become a distraction. In "Strummin" the fuzzy top of the left shoulder kept drawing my attention away from a very soft casual mood. In "black top" the bare mid riff and casual sweats drew away from her face. . . that along with the busy background kept me asking, "where is she?" In "strummin" the tones were deep and rich. In these two samples they appear very flat and one deminsional. My absolute favorite (after all this) is the hat. Love the eyes. . dark and observant. They follow you. Love the intrigue. . . that hat. Russian spy? French freedom fighter?! Hippie? The background needs to be darker to pop her out. And maybe a little more space on the right. AND although she is a natural beauty, she need to powder her nose. Lighting from the side is right on but created a hot spot on her right cheek and nose. Please keep in mind that in being this picayune it must mean you have a tremendous number of good things showing! BOL. I have no doubts there are going to be some knock out shots of her along the way. |
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12/10/2004 06:02:58 PM · #6 |
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12/10/2004 06:03:02 PM · #7 |
I think you are on your way to some great things here. I have no skill at all in portraits, so I won't even go there. I just wanted to say that I think your wife/model makes an intriguing image to photograph and the only nit-piks I have on the Black Top is that the drawstring pants top and the neck-strings are sort of distracting to me. I hope you post more of these as you go along.
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12/10/2004 06:06:58 PM · #8 |
Thanks to everyone who commented so far. I appreciate the critiques. It helps. As far as the clothing, you are right. Fortunately these are just kind of impromptu practice shots where i just kind of grab her from whatever she's doing and say "pose". More portrait friendly clothing would definitely be used for a more serious attempt.
"Hippie" would probably be the closest out of the three. Unusual litte nut is the phrase I typically use.
I'll work more in photoshop on the backgrounds. Didn't use any lights or reflectors, just whatever light was available outside.
Thanks again.
Message edited by author 2004-12-10 23:47:49. |
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12/14/2004 05:03:58 PM · #9 |
Two more attempts from today if anyone else cares to give their opinion.
Thanks.
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12/14/2004 05:27:11 PM · #10 |
The first two portraits are very nice...
Black-top.jpg
- I love the contrast in this one
- I love the dark shirt, hair, and eyes against the lighter gray background
- You might try cropping a bit off the bottom and top to bring the focus in to the compositional element I just mentioned. The draw string and light area above her head don't add much. Change to 5x7 or 8x10 ratio if you want to keep the width.
Portriat.jpg
- I think this could use a little more contrast to kick it up a bit
- I'm usually ok with heavy shadows, but I think a little more separation between the left side of her face and her hair would help
These comments are just thoughts... both shots are great
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