portrait

[johnree]

Model: Sony a300
Shutter Speed: 1/400
Aperture: F/4.5
Focal Length: 130 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Flash: None

Alright well, just wanting some feedback from you guys Go ahead and rip it apart down to the core. Any suggestions on lighting, composition, modeling ect?

[terri33inne]

I am by no means an expert, but here's my 2cents for what it's worth... I really like the composition, and the focus & lighting are very nice.

I might play w/ cropping it a little tighter a bit to the left, and bottom of the model I like that she's off center, but a little less of the trees & fence might draw your focus more toward her. The modeling is very nice, and I think the lighting is nice, not too harsh. Maybe darken it just a hair...

Very nice shot...

[natek313]

The only thing I would like to see different is the lighting. It's a bit too harsh for my taste.

Everything else (exposure, focus, composition, etc.) looks good to me.

[LeeR]

Some time ago aribabybug posted a link to a website called "35 rules of good portraiture." I highly reccomend the site and suggest you read it carefully.

[natek313]

If this is the article you are referring to, Lee, then I would have to respectfully disagree.

There are some good guidelines in there, but I wouldn't use the example photos as anything more than dated examples. Frankly, they're quite bad and very, very dated. Portraiture has changed so much since the 80's. That's not to say that some of the information isn't useful; it is.

I just recommend researching much more recently popular portrait photographers.

[NgaiHill]

Nice shot, she is a lovely model. My 2 cents..... I would crop in a lot closer, perhaps try head and shoulders with shallower depth of field to eliminate the distraction of the leaves in the background. Also a closer shot like that would allow you to use a reflector down to her right which would eliminate some of the shadows around her neck and face. I use a large square of white polystyrene or whatever it is that they use to make insulated grocery boxes. Get the model to hold it. Cheap and no fuss.

[LeeR]

Originally Posted by natek313

If this is the article you are referring to, Lee, then I would have to respectfully disagree.

You are always welcome to disagree, Nate. A little lively discussion never hurt anyone. However, the point I was trying to make about the website was that it is the fine details that make the difference between a good shot and a great one. This is a really good shot. The one thing that jumps out at you is the rather harsh shadows, but there are also a lot of little details that are off a tad. And a lot of those mistakes are covered in that site. Yes, I agree that he should not stop there; there are lots more sources of fabulous information, but spending some time paying attention to detail certainly isn't going to hurt him.

[johnree]

Thanks for the feedback! You know, informations is always a good thing! Won't hurt to read a few articles and gain the perspective on whatever is shown. Knowledge is key Thanks everybody!

[scootermcq]

Originally Posted by natek313

The only thing I would like to see different is the lighting. It's a bit too harsh for my taste.

Everything else (exposure, focus, composition, etc.) looks good to me.

+1 for me.

I don't know what time you took it, but I would suggest the best time for an outdoor portrait it first or last light. The rest of the day is a challange without shade or modifiers.

[BigFuzzy]

Originally Posted by natek313

If this is the article you are referring to, Lee, then I would have to respectfully disagree.
There are some good guidelines in there, but I wouldn't use the example photos as anything more than dated examples. Frankly, they're quite bad and very, very dated. Portraiture has changed so much since the 80's. That's not to say that some of the information isn't useful; it is.
I just recommend researching much more recently popular portrait photographers.

+1 to Nate. I think you can learn so much more about portraiture looking elsewhere.

As for the photo, I like the nice casual feel. It's a very relaxed natural portrait which is very good (unlike any of the photos in that link).

I also agree with others that the lighting is the issue for me. To really make this pop, and elevate from a generally nice photo, is to have some off-camera/fill light. The sun created very harsh shadows on her face/neck. Even on-camera fill flash could have helps as it would have diminished the harsh shadows a bit. Unless intentional, you need to always ensure the eyes aren't in shadow. The eyes, to me, are key to any portrait (where eyes are visible).

it's still a nice effort, and you clearly put some thought into it. Not start thinking a bit on the lighting. www.strobist.com is a great place to start. Look for the lighting 101 part.

Keep shooting!

PS what a cutie!