My First Portrait

[Pip]

This is the first portrait I took of my son. First day with my new DSLR too.

Thanks for your feedback.

Camera: Olympus E-620
Exposure: 0.006 sec (1/160)
Aperture: f/3.5
Focal Length: 14 mm
ISO Speed: 400
Exposure Bias: 0 EV

[candleman]

the exposure looks good, thats always a good start

congrats on the new camera

the main thing causing me trouble is the background.
its very busy and distracting.
i'd try keep it somewhat uniform and clear.
some stuff is ok, but if you include stuff it should really be minimal and dare i go so far as say make it symetrical... because the image is.

also i'd have turned the camera to "portrait" orientation and thus include less background, and more of his arms

and welcome to the forum

[Pip]

Originally Posted by candleman

the exposure looks good, thats always a good start

congrats on the new camera

the main thing causing me trouble is the background.
its very busy and distracting.
i'd try keep it somewhat uniform and clear.
some stuff is ok, but if you include stuff it should really be minimal and dare i go so far as say make it symetrical... because the image is.

also i'd have turned the camera to "portrait" orientation and thus include less background, and more of his arms

and welcome to the forum

Thanks Candleman! Very good tips, I didn't even think about the background...
When you say "portrait" orientation, do you mean vertical as opposed to horizontal? Ta.

Pip

[Ennor]

Congrats on your new camera, hope it brings you a lot of enjoyment !!
I really like this image, the pose by your young fella is great, relaxed and has a natural feel about it that suits the subject. I must agree with Candleman though, the background is distracting from the subject...

[candleman]

Originally Posted by Pip

Thanks Candleman! Very good tips, I didn't even think about the background...
When you say "portrait" orientation, do you mean vertical as opposed to horizontal? Ta.

Pip

yup,
vertical as opposed to horizontal.


its a good start,
nextt ime try reduce the amount of shadow on the other side of his face by positioning him differently inrelation tothe light..
you made a goood call putting him near a window.door.. natural light of that sort is always best

[autofocus]

Nice start, but along with what everyone else said I don't think 14mm is the most flattering setting for portraits...I don't know what the crop factor is on that camera but I'd suggest zooming to some setting above 50 - 60mm

[Pip]

Sorry for my delay but I've just come back from an overseas holiday an didn't use the net over there, I have taken a few photos and I might post a couple too.

Thanks for all your advice. I'll surely take it on board and try another session with him. The more I use the camera, the more I love it!