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DPChallenge Forums >> Individual Photograph Discussion >> First attempt at Portraits
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 05/27/2009 12:27:39 AM · #1
I just recently got some equipment for my birthday Γ’€“ a backdrop stand, slate gray backdrop paper, a light w/ stand and umbrella, and a stand for a fan. So I set it up in my garage and decided to make my first attempt at a portrait. My little sister was kind enough to pose for me as I was trying to play with the lighting.

I would love to hear any critiques or suggestions for next time. I think I need more than one light in the future, but I sort of liked the way the shadows fell with just one light. I had the light reflecting off the umbrella (not sure if there is a term to explain this) Γ’€“ and I had it to the front left of her (frame right). There was no other ambient light (it was dark and we were in my garage with no other lights).

Any suggestions on studio lighting for portraits would be appreciated, as well as critiques on my photos.

I like the first one best:


And the second one I thought was cute, yet it is out of focus:


Thank you in advance!!!
 05/27/2009 12:59:12 AM · #2
Originally posted by awpollard:

For a portrait with drama (which I see here) I wouldn't have the subject so centered. The negative space would be fine if on one side or the other. Black all around the subject makes here look smaller or farther away from us the viewer. For effect get in closer and have your subject to the left or right of the frame leaving some of the negative space.

Something like:


All my opinion of course.


Thank you very much awpollard for your comment and your suggestion on the crop. You are right Γ’€“ it does look much better with less negative space. I really like the crop you chose. I am really bad about figuring out the best crop for photos. I prefer your crop over the one I had (which actually isnΓ’€™t cropped from the original). Again Γ’€“ thank you Γ’€“ I will focus on the amount of negative space in the future!
05/27/2009 08:49:59 AM · #3
I agree. Move closer. Try turning the camera vertical. Keep checking that focus. Also, maybe check the white balance--the skin looks a bit orange. Either that, or shoot RAW.
 05/28/2009 02:04:26 PM · #4
I have made some changes using the suggestions awpollard and tpbremer made. I cropped the photo down and did one in B/W and one with my attempt at fixing the colors.




Originally posted by tpbremer:
I agree. Move closer. Try turning the camera vertical. Keep checking that focus. Also, maybe check the white balance--the skin looks a bit orange. Either that, or shoot RAW.

Now that I am looking at the photo on something other than my laptop - I see what you are saying, the skin is very orange. I do shoot in RAW, but am still learning how to make the proper adjustments. Since I didn't want to retrace all of my editing steps, I just used Channel Mixer to try to make the color look a little more realistic. Anyone have any opinions or suggestions on this?

Also with the B/W, I can't make up my mind as to whether I think it is too bright or not. Any suggestions on the B/W version?

Thanks!
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