The Profile Picture Project

[VernonShaw]

I've started a project where I try to take as many good pictures of my friends as possible. The following is one I took last night. My friend said that she doesn't like how she looked in that picture, but I think she's gorgeous. Can I get some input on that?

[Sionara]

I think the shot came out well. Maybe a little too much shadow on her face but other than that it looks good.

[clockdoc]

I would guess her main concern is with her hair, both the part falling across her eye and how it falls on her shoulder. The direction of the light appears to be coming from a horizontal or lower angle with sometimes appears a bit 'sinister.' The lighting is "hard" and not flattering to women in particular. Lastly, she is glancing to the right which may have been better balanced if she were looking straight ahead or slightly to her left.
If you are familiar with portrait lighting, try for the "Rembrandt" lighting effect which has a small triangle of light on the opposite cheek. I'm happy to help where I can.

[Manila_Joe]

I think it's a perfect portrait. She looks great. I like the lighting but as Sionara has mentioned, It can use a bit more light on her face. I think it still works very well.

Congrats on the good shot.

[KathrynWilson]

She looks very beautiful, and a combination of hopeful and wistful! It is a little bit too dark but I do like the colors in it. If it was lighter I think you'd be able to give her hair a boost. I would also possibly edit to smooth out the skin a little.

[FocalFrenzy]

I think it's a great shot. Your friend is beautiful. It is hard to imagine an image she would not look good in. The image may be a little on the dark side, but dark can be attractive too. This shot shows personality. The straight-on, over-exposed, plastic smile portraits that most people take, wind up in shoe boxes, never to be seen again. This shot took guts and an insightful eye. You (and your friend), should be proud of it.

[erikandsix]

I just opened about 20 of the most recent images to see if anyone had posted anything decent, I closed them all because they were boring or just plain lame(sorry people). This picture, however, is beautiful... as is your friend.

I love the lighting; it's interesting. Some of the comments before me wanted you to make the image more typical but you should continue and explore your style. You have what it takes to do something different.

Well done. What lens did you use? What was your lighting setup?

[jiminyClickit]

VernonShaw,

Hair and eyes mean quite a lot to people, maybe more to women because their features are usually more stunning. Here, both hair and eyes are difficult to appreciate because of the position and lighting.

The issue may be whose definition of "good picture" you go by, to please your friends or yourself.

erikandsix,

"Lame" is not a photographic term. Did anyone suggest your squirrel or homeless guy were lame? How would you feel if they had?

[Iman_D80]

This is a very nice shot, nice and dramatic portrait. She sure is gorgeous!

[wulf]

She also looks a little hunched in her posture. It would definitely be worth persuading her to sit again.

Wulf