She Took the Midnight Train

[DuckieLauren]

So, this is really the first time I have done any portrait photography, I mostly go for nature and landscape type shots. I decided I needed to expand my horizons by trying out a photoshoot with one for my lovely friends modeling for me.
I don't reakky know wht the rules for portraits and all are, so I could use some help
How is the lighting? composition? contrast?
I would really appreciate some feedback!

Thanks a lot,
Lauren

[BigFuzzy]

Hi Duckie,
There are lots of good things going on here.
Having said that... the exposure issues kind of killed it for me.
The main problem is that you shot it in the middle of the day, always a big no-no, and particularly so with portraits. You should have sat her in that shade I can see a bit further down the track. Open shade makes up for a lot of exposure issues.
The highlights on her face and arm and shoulder are just blown and distracting.

I like your composition by not placing her dead center. Just be careful with the cropping off of her arms.. it can feel a bit... choppy.

I like her natural expression which doesn't feel too posey.

I like your use of DoF and there are nice lines in the image.

Think: Open shade. Open shade. Open shade! Especially if you can't shoot at a better time of the day (early morn, late afternoon)

In the end, this is an image that has lots going for it that is drowned out by the exposure issues which are a result of shooting at the worst possible time. Think lighting a bit more and you're well on your way. Keep posting!.

[DuckieLauren]

Thanks so much! I was hoping someone would comment! 100 views and I still had nothing.
OPEN SHADE! Got it. Thanks a lot, I noticed what you meant talking about the highlights on her face and arms, it bothered me too but I had no idea how to change that, but now I know, OPEN SHADE!

Now I know for next time, no direct sunlight afternoon shooting, and no amputating my victims limbs.
Thanks so much!

[AprilForever]

If you want the subject in the sun (for nice rim lighting) but want the face to be well exposed, use a reflector - those car windshield cover things make great ones. It will help even out the face lighting a reduce hotspots Just make sure to not overexpose.

What's great about this picture is it tells a story: somewhat melancholy girl waiting by the tracks. Perhaps awaiting the return of her man from Afghanistan? A story in the picture always helps. The shallow depth of field helps this picture a lot too. Just watch cropping hands and elbows.Either all the way in or all the way out for nearly all pictures.

All around, quite interesting shot!

[DuckieLauren]

Wow! thanks!
I love your take on the picture, I never really thought about it with a story like that! Makes me think more about the photo now than I already had!

Also, with the reflector, where would that need to be set up?