Portrait of teenage daughter

[SierraMyk]

This is my first post, so please bear with me if I have made any mistakes. I have learned a lot about taking travel pictures, but am not too sure about portraits. My grandmother has been asking for pictures of my daughter, so I thought I would give it a try. My intent is to get a decent picture and have it printed to send to my family.

I used late afternoon light coming through the window; the light is filtered by a tree in front of the window. I did try a few with flash, but didn't like the way it looked. I am thinking of getting something to allow "off camera flash" which I think would have helped lighten the side of her face.

Camera: Nikon D5000
Exposure: 1/160
F Stop: f/4
Focal Length: 55 mm
ISO Speed: 800
Exposure Bias: 0 step
No Flash

[pkd14u]

I really can't find fault with this photo. Your composition is good, you could try for a slightly more relaxed pose, and your lighting is wonderful. I don't think I would change anything about either of those aspects. In PP you could maybe make the colors pop a bit by creating a very slight S shape in curves. Otherwise it's very nice and very printable.

[Niresangwa]

Couple of things...

firstly, it looks a little soft - what focus method were you using?

secondly, though it doesn't really blow the image, why did you select 800 ISO? there's noticeable noise.

thirdly, the lighting is a little harsh and it feels somewhat washed out. the ear closest to the light source looks very hot.

Will these things detract from your family's enjoyment of the image? Not at all. In that regard, I think you definitely achieved what you sought out. These thoughts outlined above are simply observations, and mild ones at that.

It can definitely stand to have a little boost in saturation. If you had more sophisticated PP tools available, application of a warming filter, a boost in vibrance and a slight alteration in curves would serve this image well.

[ednorm]

I would not change a thing. This is a great picture of a beautiful young girl, it looks as if though you caught her personality on film. Judging from that picture I would say she is a very bright and energetic young girl with a sense of humor. I am sure granny will be thrilled with the shot, its worthy of framing.

ed

[SierraMyk]

Thanks so much for the comments! I do have Photoshop and am learning to use it, so I will give a try to the curves adjustment and vibrance. I haven't ever done anything with a warming filter, but will see what I can do with that also.

Honestly, the 800 ISO was a mistake--I forgot to change the setting from some inside shots I took a couple days before (oops!) I used manual focus, although I am not too used to it, because I kept having trouble getting her eyes sharp and in focus with auto. Guess I will need to practice with that a little more.