my first attempts

[Lutsi]

Hi , I'm new to photography, and usually I take landscapes. But a friend of mine wanted me to photograph her, so I gave it a go. This is one of my first attempts to take portrait, and I'd love to hear some advice and critique .
Thanks in advance.



I have Olympus Pen E-PL1
Lens:40mm
Shutter: 1/160

[irishmuth]

At the risk of being harsh, there are a number of things that don't work for me in this:

The angle is too extreme - almost nauseating to look at. This is the biggest problem with the photo IMO

The WB seems off - she looks orangish

It's suppose to be a portrait but I can't see her face at all

I would take a look at some portraits you really like from other photographers and maybe try to mimic those. You'll probably discover what you really like and then can create a style all your own that really works.

[Lutsi]

Originally Posted by irishmuth

At the risk of being harsh, there are a number of things that don't work for me in this:

The angle is too extreme - almost nauseating to look at. This is the biggest problem with the photo IMO

The WB seems off - she looks orangish

It's suppose to be a portrait but I can't see her face at all

I would take a look at some portraits you really like from other photographers and maybe try to mimic those. You'll probably discover what you really like and then can create a style all your own that really works.

Thanks for a reply. I really appreciate it. I'll try to fix everything you mentioned in future. After all, this is my first try. btw, do you think somehow this one's better at least a little? :S http://s43.radikal.ru/i102/1007/61/f7d248a57d3f.jpg

[scubajen]

That second one was a million times better----the only thing I don't like about the 2nd one is that you cut off some of her fingers---but overall reallly nice!!

[Lutsi]

Originally Posted by scubajen

That second one was a million times better----the only thing I don't like about the 2nd one is that you cut off some of her fingers---but overall reallly nice!!

Thank you! I noticed the fingers too, but only after looking at it on the computer screen. I deffinitely need to be more careful...

[klam]

She is defying gravity!! Way too orangish.

The 2nd one is better but the blue ribbon is too saturated and it's the first thing I noticed. If the ribbon is the main subject than that is ok. If the person is the subject than the ribbon should be toned down.

[irishmuth]

the second one is much better - good use of negative space. hope i wasn't overly harsh in my first reply - wouldn't want to discourage anyone from experimenting and growing as a photographer!

[Lutsi]

Originally Posted by klam

She is defying gravity!! Way too orangish.

The 2nd one is better but the blue ribbon is too saturated and it's the first thing I noticed. If the ribbon is the main subject than that is ok. If the person is the subject than the ribbon should be toned down.

I wanted the main focus to be on the ribbon, so I guess it's okay then..thanks for the reply! ^^

[Lutsi]

Originally Posted by irishmuth

the second one is much better - good use of negative space. hope i wasn't overly harsh in my first reply - wouldn't want to discourage anyone from experimenting and growing as a photographer!

Thank you ^^
No no, no at all! I really appreciate it- it just makes me work harder

[Lutsi]

Originally Posted by irishmuth

the second one is much better - good use of negative space. hope i wasn't overly harsh in my first reply - wouldn't want to discourage anyone from experimenting and growing as a photographer!

Thank you ^^
No no, no at all! I really appreciate it- after reading that I just want to work harder