if you were a client, what are your expectations???

[jax314]

For the first time in a LONG time...I'm going to post a SOOC shot (except for a crop) and avoid my tendancy to over-process. Please share your thoughts on...

1. Composition (is this a good crop?)
2. White balance (auto in camera)
3. What still needs to be done in order for this to be print-worthy? (if it is actually print worthy).

I know some will say it's print worthy if I want it to be....

BUT....some day I would like to shoot photos for money (if I ever can learn enough to be good). So, what are thoughts from others (not me since I am obviously bias) on why this would or would not be a shot a client would want to buy.

What things do I need to learn PP-wise to make clients want to buy pictures??

Thanks for any help!


Camera Nikon D5000
Exposure 0.01 sec (1/100)
Aperture f/5.3
Focal Length 44 mm
ISO Speed 200

I have one other I would like to share from this session if anyone is interested, but I think I may need to wait to post it. Thanks again!

[daddyoproductions]

Hmmm. You have light in her eyes, which is good. You could sharpen them and dodge a bit (brown eyes tend to turn into black holes I think the crop is too tight. Maybe you could post the original without crop? The colours are nice and bright. Her skin looks a little orange maybe, but I always think that (I have issues with judging good skin tones!)

P.S. You could post the original and ask others to have a play to suggest how they would edit it...then you may get some ideas that you like.

~C

[Carolyn Lee]

Hi Jax

First off, I am not a portrait photographer. But I am a mom and a grandmother. I really like this picture. The colors of the flowers in combination with this young girl is terrific. Both in compostion and in balance. In my humble opinion Second, I think your skin tones are pretty much on from what I am seeing. My only suggestion would be perhaps a little less croping just to see if it makes any difference.

Gorgeous picture. If I was the mom or grandmother - it would be sold

[jax314]

Thanks for the comments! Here is the original, as-shot SOOC jpeg..



You see, most portraits I see have some sort of finished, processed look....If I need to learn that, where can I do so?

Feel free to edit the original any way you want to!

[DSallee]

I agree with most other comments but would also like to add that the shadow line on her face (her left) is distracting to me. Other than that and the tight crop, its a great shot..

Thanks for sharing
Dave

[jax314]

Here is a different shot from the same session for comparison purposes...

[toasted75]

To my eye, the exposure looks a touch low... I'd probably bring that up a little and see how that affects things. I'm also a little distracted by the shadow on her face.

PS - I like the second shot you posted better, exposure still a touch low there too though I think.

[lputman]

Your daughter is just so cute. The strip of light that got in on the first one is a bit distracting. Overall, I think they need a little brightening up and as daddyoproductions stated, a little work on the eyes. I too see a strong orange thing happening with her skin. You can see it very well in the shadow area of her face, along her hairline. Have you done any adjustments for the camera settings that affect the picture, i.e., color saturation, tone, etc.?

I will have a play with the original when I get home from work this evening.

[jax314]

Thanks Lori. I have not made any adjustments with these shots, other than a crop in the top one.

I cannever seem to get my daughter's skin tone right!! I should use custom white balance to fix that right?

Anyways, feel free to edit how you like!! I want to see what pros can do so I can try to mimic it!!

Thanks!