Building Portfolio: Critiques Welcome

11/28/2007 10:14:24 AM · #1

I have had several portrait shoots recently (coworkers, sister, family) and I am trying to build up a solid portfolio for future work: Let me know what you think and if I'm on the right track. I shot these particular ones for a coworker who wanted these as a Christmas gift for her husband. I just used the nifty fifty and a Speedlite 430EX for fill. I shot in RAW and processed with the Canon Digital Professional. My coworker was really happy with them. I had so much fun with these shots and my wife helped with the reflector and with posing and keeping the girls focused (my wife a first grade teacher, so she's good at that sort of thing). The youngest would never look at the camera though, that was kinda tough. I think my focus is just slightly off, probably due to too narrow DOF. Anyways, let me know what you think, thanks!

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11/28/2007 11:19:30 AM · #2

bump

Sigma 70-200 /2.8 APO EX DG Macro HSM II

11/28/2007 01:24:12 PM · #3

Anyone?

rex

Canon PowerShot SD780

11/28/2007 01:27:39 PM · #4

Originally posted by goinskiing:

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My favorite of the bunch. Maybe because they are all looking at you.

They are looking pretty good. The focus is a little off and it would have helped if the youngest would have looked at the camera but overall I think you done a nice job.

Message edited by author 2007-11-28 13:28:12.

Eyesup

Nikon D300

11/28/2007 01:32:39 PM · #5

Over all I'd say they arn't bad... a couple of things though.
a) all your photo's seem to be very centered, next time try moving the focus of the photo off center a bit more
b) 3 and 6 would liekly have been better at eith full lenght or from the bust up, and againtry moving things a bit more off center... rule of thrids will do you well
c)looks like on some of them you have the flash aimed right on them... even if it was diffused it's not always best to aim the flash directly at someone.

Other then that... to posing is good and looks natural for the most part, and it looks like you had great subjects to work with.

Good work!

Sigma 70-200 /2.8 APO EX DG Macro HSM II

11/28/2007 01:37:04 PM · #6

Originally posted by Eyesup:

how would you use the flash in this scenario? an omnnibounce or lightsphere at a 45?

Eyesup

Nikon D300

11/28/2007 01:39:02 PM · #7

Originally posted by goinskiing:

Originally posted by Eyesup:
Over all I'd say they arn't bad... a couple of things though.
a) all your photo's seem to be very centered, next time try moving the focus of the photo off center a bit more
b) 3 and 6 would liekly have been better at eith full lenght or from the bust up, and againtry moving things a bit more off center... rule of thrids will do you well
c)looks like on some of them you have the flash aimed right on them... even if it was diffused it's not always best to aim the flash directly at someone.

Other then that... to posing is good and looks natural for the most part, and it looks like you had great subjects to work with.

Good work!

how would you use the flash in this scenario? an omnnibounce or lightsphere at a 45?

That would work... I've also been known to being a reflector and aim my flash at that depending on what the day was like... works well to even out the light especially when you in and amongst trees.

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

11/28/2007 01:44:29 PM · #8

These were early evening. So you would bounce the flash off of someone holding the reflector? Hmmm, never even thought of that.

BeckyT

Nikon D300s

11/28/2007 01:53:15 PM · #9

[thumb]617584[/thumb] I like them all but I like this one best. Very nice rich colors. I see what you mean by being a little soft but that doesn't take away. I think the photos look cute even when the youngest one isn't looking. I agree that they shouldn't always be centered but then again I wouldn't turn these down. You really did a great job. I think I am going to have to get an external flash for my camera sometime.