Need criticism

[sallie]

I am new to photography and new this site. I am in need of tips, helpful hints and any advice I can get.
This photo was taken with a Nikon D60 ISO 100, f/4.5, n1/100s.

[zona5101]

this is a nice image. I think it could be improved if you adjusted the color balance...it looks too warm and undersaturated (unless you were going for that look). Compositionally there is too much train...if it's a portrait of Taylor then she should be more featured. Or if you like the train thn maybe have her more interacting with the train instread of static. Also when framing try not to put your subject dead center if you can avoid it.

[WooD]

It's a nice image, and I agree about the crop, and having her centered.

[sallie]

Originally Posted by sallie

I am new to photography and new this site. I am in need of tips, helpful hints and any advice I can get.
This photo was taken with a Nikon D60 ISO 100, f/4.5, n1/100s.

Thanks for the feedback. I didn't think it was centered, I thought my subject was a little to the left. I'll work on that. I thought maybe it was kind of warm. Still working on contrast, saturation, etc. I have posted another if you wouldn't mind comparing it to the first. Thanks for the tips! Keep em coming.

[autofocus]

you might want to try turning your subjects slightly so that they are not full frontal shots..usually makes for a better pose than straight on shots. Otherwise, nice shots....

Vince

[ctcook]

The second shot is composed nicely, but the subject is too dark. Do you have access to a reflector, speedlight, etc? If not even your on-board with a diffuser would help in a scenario like this. I also second not having the subject face the camera straight on. Then again, I don't do a lot of portraits so I may just be entirely wrong.

[LeeR]

Someone asking for criticism? I applaud your courage; that's the best way to get better. That and figuring out who to listen to and who not. Please take my thoughts with a grain of salt.
I like the idea of the first shot. The idea of juxtaoposing the hardness of the train against the model's softeness makes great sense but there is a lot going on here and it comes off a bit busy. Also, I agree with previous posters who say that she is not quite centered. I am never a slave to the rule of thirds, but in this case I think she needs to be either dead center or pushed a bit more toward the third.
Another great thing about the first shot is the light. Just what we want outdoors; even light with no harsh shadows. In the second shot you have even lighting but your model is in shadow and the background is brightly lit. This has the positive effect of separating the model from the background, but the negative effect of drawing our eyes away from her.
Overall, I think you are on the right track (forgive the pun) and just need some more practice.

[DivotMaker]

My two cents..

I also REALLY like the idea of the first shot. The contrast between the hardness of the train and the delicate model, is what I enjoy in shots. However, I keep feeling my eyes being pulled to the chain/wheel on the bottom right, and the way the stair is cut off leaves me feeling like I am missing something.

If you were able to move the model, to the right, to cover the chain and reveal more of the stair I think if would have helped the shot. Turning her slightly, with her head then looking back at you, would add a little "pop" to the straight on shot (as mentioned before).

I do like the idea though.

[Benji]

The art of creating beautiful portraits is a learning process just like everything else in life. Unfortunately some people get a camera, read the manual a couple times take a few shots of some flowers, show them to their mother who exclaims "your photographs are better than the pro down the street!" So they begin believing they are now a professional photographer, then they get some real critique and their bubble is burst. Some never recover, others dig in and begin learning what it really takes to produce a beautiful image that not only will your mother love, but the client also.

The lighting in your first image is wonderful, and since the word photograph literally means light drawing (or light writing)) you have nailed this part of this image, but the pose is boring. If you continue to shoot and asking for critique you will get better.

If you are interested in a free tutorial on how to make better portraits I have written one that over 119,000 others have checked out. See it at The Rules Of Good Portraiture - PhotoCamel - Your Friendly Photo Forum

Benji

[outamyway]

Good points from the above posters, only thing I can add is to watch your focus. You want your subjects eyes to be super sharp.