Just seriously starting

[jatolman]

I'm just starting to really get more serious about photography and just bought my first SLR (Canon Rebel XS). I often take pictures that I get excited about and think maybe I could start doing portraits for other people, but I wonder if I'm flattering myself. I know I need more practice, but I was wondering if my shots look semi-professional at all. Here's one of my favorites. Does this still look just like an every day snapshot, or could I actually develop into a portrait photographer?



1/15
f/5.6
ISO 800
Indoors with no flash
Aperture priority

[autofocus]

Originally Posted by jatolman

I'm just starting to really get more serious about photography and just bought my first SLR (Canon Rebel XS). I often take pictures that I get excited about and think maybe I could start doing portraits for other people, but I wonder if I'm flattering myself. I know I need more practice, but I was wondering if my shots look semi-professional at all. Here's one of my favorites. Does this still look just like an every day snapshot, or could I actually develop into a portrait photographer?



1/15
f/5.6
ISO 800
Indoors with no flash
Aperture priority

This is a nice photo, and at 1/15th sec, you got pretty lucky on the focus. That said, one, (or even several) good portrait shot(s) does not mean you are ready to call yourself a portrait photographer. Children's portraiture in available light can be one of the most difficult skills to master. You're always dealing with changing conditions whether it be light, or the kids themselves. Posing individuals, posing groups, where is the best light, do I need fill flash, or a reflector, or both, do I have an assistent to help me, what's my best F/stop for the group or individual, where do I want their hands to be, what are the best body angles to arrange them in, co-ordinating and choice of colors, how do I deal with the vageries of the customer(s), do I have a lot of patience, do I have a natural eye for this type of photography, or will I need to learn and develop one, can I capture emotion in the image, do I know enough about even the basics of composition, what about props????? These are just a few things to consider before you make the leap into professional portrait photography. You may ask, how do I know all this...my wife is one, and I assist her on many of her assignments, and do 98% of all her edits.

You have a good start here, work with your family and friends and continue to develop your skills and your confidence...and you too, will get there!!

Vince

[mandyatm]

Based on this image, I think the elements are there - sharp, in focus, good white balance and lighting (you could use a reflector)...but as auto-focus said, it is really hard to get a picture in focus at 1/15 sec. It will be a lot harder (or impossible) if the subject is a moving baby or toddler. Also, ISO 800 is kind of high. Do you have a lens that is capable of a bigger aperture? A 50mm 1.8 is only around $100 if not, and using a wider aperture will let you increase your speed and decrease your ISO.

Just start doing pictures for free of your friend's kids to start building your portfolio. There are some people who think you have to have a degree and 10 years experience to call yourself a "photographer," so don't get hung up on these people. You have the right idea, just get some more practice and maybe start a blog where you (and others) can see your progress. Good luck!