outdoor portrait model photoshoot - Comments highly appreciated

[MindRaider]

Dear,

This is part of my first outdoor portrait photoshoot I have done using my Nikon D90 DSLR.
I took the photos during a cloudy day which helped me to get a soft type lighting.

I appreciate your comments on the composition and lighting of the photo.
The photo is processed.



Shot Aperture priority mode
Aperture: f/4.5
ISO: 400
Shutter: 1/400
Focal Length: 90 mm

[Sime]

Welcome. Please read the rules - 740px MAX WIDTH...

Composition - I feel there's a little too much tree. I find the other person slightly distracting in the background.

Lighting - WHat is going on down the left side of your model's face? have you pushed the blacks up at all? I find it frames her face weirdly - this is either lighting or post?

sime

[MindRaider]

Hi
Thanks for the comments.. the black is coming from the post processing.

I have re-processed the photo, applied different cropping and removed the walking pedestrain in the background.

What do you think now:

[BigFuzzy]

I agree with what Sime said and do like the 2nd image much better.

I will say, however, that for me, the thing this image needs most is more light in her face. Her eyes are in deep shadow, and unless that was planned, it takes away from the image since I can't really see her eyes. A reflector or fill-flash would really help this image I think. Fill flash would also allow you to darken the background just a bit.

I also feel that it feels a bit too "posed" for me.. yes, naturally all these types of photos are posed, but this one feels a bit forced. I also am not a fan of the scarf/pashmina in her face.. I don't think hands should ever really block much (or anything) of the face.

Did you consider switching positions since the building in the background seems bright enough to have reflected light back into her face? Just a thought.. when doing these sort of natural light portraits (which I'm a big fan of), always think as to how to get the most light into the subjects face as, in my opinion, that's crucial.

Al

[MindRaider]

I think a reflector and less scarf on the face would have enhanced the photo.

Many Thanks