On location with Michelle

[sanyam]

Update: This might not be a very pretty picture or technically correct as it came out from the feedback. I am uploading more pictures from the same shoot below. Would appreciate similar kind of feedback on them and what went well and what went wrong and needs improvement in future shoots.



more from the set on flickr


Info
Canon 17-40mm, Canon 430ex on camera left (shot through a photoflex softbox).

Layered with 3 diff. exposures in PS to remove extra bright leaves in front and bring out some details from the background leaves.

I am beginner and trying my hand with strobist techniques for last couple of months but not sure if the results are good. Would be helpful if people around here can tell me if it looks good or if I am on a correct path.

Would really appreciate suggestions on ...

1. Lighting, Do you think the lighting was adequate or a rim light and fill light was a must in this scene.
2. Is the pose okay?
3. How would you rate the picture overall on the scale of 1 to 5. (Okay/Fair/Good/Excellent/Mind Blowing)

4. Can I improve this picture with some more post processing?
5. Any tips for future when shooting similar shots?

I am processing pictures from this shoot one by one and will try my level best to use the feedback or tips received here while processing the rest.

[vfdbaker]

I am by no means a professional yet but to me that log looks very out of place. It looks like its coming out of her rear and totally draws my attention away from the model. But thats JMHO.

[sybren]

I agree with Angie about the log. I think the pose isn't the most flattering - her knees are quite thin and bony, and both the side light and the pose accentuate that. The lines draw your eyes to her upper body and face, but they are quite small in the frame. Then she looks out of the frame, and there is nothing there to bring back the viewer's gaze. It looks like she's resting on her arm, pushing up her shoulder. A slightly different pose would give her neck more length.

I would bring the light in closer, so that it doesn't spread all over the scene. Perhaps dial it down a stop or two, and bring up her face with a second, snooted light. That'll give some more dimensionality and focus more on her face and upper body.

[sanyam]

Some more versions with ...
1. different crops so that the face gets the attention
2. reduced some exposure for the foliage in the background
3. added some blur

Are these any better?

[sybren]

I would simply accept it as a not-perfect photo, learn your lessons, and move on. Things like this are much easier to get right while you're taking the photo. Post processing can do only so many things - and be honest, do you want to be a photoshopper or a photographer?

[goldt3]

I agree with the others about the log. I couldn't quite tell, is she sitting on it? It protrudes from an odd position between her legs which is very distracting for me. Also, her arm is up in an unusual way and I can't help but notice it makes her armpit look distorted and her hair blends into the background which is a shame.

I'm just a beginner as well, so take it with a grain of salt. That's just what I see when I look at the photo as a viewer.

[Essynce Photo BR]

I agree with Sybren in that you may just need to give it another try...although your model is quite pretty, she looks rather stiff and uncomfortable, so work on making your subjects look more relaxed and it will definitely come out in the photo. I won't even comment on the log...I think you get it.

Random P.S. I love the red dress!

[sanyam]

Adding more images which are processed, I am beginner and haven't been shooting with lights for not more than a couple of months. Let me know if I am on a correct path or if there is something blatantly wrong with my techniques.

[sanyam]

some more ... (limit of only 4 photos per post)

[sybren]

You've got a very nice model there!

If you want to learn lighting, I'd recommend spending only a little time post processing (if any at all), and as much as possible behind the camera.