First time at Senior Pics

[lschafer]

I'm totally new to photography...and am loving it! Gave my son's senior pics a try...I admit he's easy to photograph, but am sure I can do better. What are your thoughts on lighting, positioning, and LightRoom effects? Thanks for your help!

Setting:
B+W leaning against rock wall: 1/200 sec at f/5.6 ISO 200, 140mm

[Benji]

For a newbie these ain't to bad, but there is lots of room for improvement!

I just Googled "Critique" and found several definitions that fits photography IMHO, "a formal analysis of a work" "a critical review or discussion of works of art" and lastly, "a meeting following a competition where judges and coaches have a chance to discuss the performance and results." So it sounds to me like in order to offer critique on a something the one doing the critiquing should have some knowledge or experience in that area. To say "beautiful shot" of a photograph is not a critique based on the above definition, nor is "it sux." I feel too many "critiques" follow grandmother's advice; "If you can't say something nice don't say anything at all."

To the images.

Image 1. What an awesome place to do portraiture! But not when the sun is so bright. His hair and clothing are overexposed causing a halo around him. Also I find the missing hand problematic and the square on pose is kinda blah.

Image 2. The lighting on his face is OUTSTANDING, but his face is out of focus, and his hands are huge and in your face. Also this is a crotch shot.

Benji

[windrider86]

Any chance of posting exif info so we know what your camera settings were?

[lschafer]

B+W leaning against rock wall: 1/200 sec at f/5.6 ISO 200, 140mm

[kleidascope]

The 'person' looks dark in comparison to the surroundings, can you add a little curve to it to lighten it a tad, maybe that will help soften the halo around the top of his head.

Agree, that looks like a really FUN picture location!