First Portrait Shot - What do you think?

[djenn0427]

f/5.6
1/500
ISO - 1250
120mm
no flash

This was a little bit of a chance shot. I did soften it up a little. I'm new to photography so any suggestions you have are greatly appreciated. What I want to know: Is there anything you would have done differently? And what do you think of the shot in general? Thanks!

[NicoleScraps]

It think it is a very nice shot, but I am just curious why your ISO is 1250 in full daylight.
The subject is very lovely and I really like the backlighting.

[MrJones]

it's a nice shot but I'd have to agree with Nicole, why are you using ISO of 1250 when your shutter speed is 1/500. you can lower the ISO and the shutter speed to get the same result.
other than that I've noticed you cropped it to a square while the photo is missing the back of her head.
why the crop?

[djenn0427]

Thanks so much for your comments! The ISO is so high because I had it on auto. I am just now getting to where I understand exposure, etc.

The reason it is cropped is because the majority of the original photo is background. I also didn't get her full head in the picture. So I cropped it to cut down on empty space.

Thanks again!

[MrJones]

can you please post the original too?

[djenn0427]

Here's the original, straight out of the camera. No touchups.

[MrJones]

Originally Posted by djenn0427

Here's the original, straight out of the camera. No touchups.

she is really beautiful.
if only you had moved the camera a bit to the left, you'd have a perfect photo straight out of the camera.

[Benphall]

I would have to say that even though the head is chopped off a bit the crop in the origional is much better. the DOF is great and do agree that you DO NOT need your ISO that high. easy way to start off learning is pick either shutter or aperature priority, put your camera to it and learn from there. Only thing i would of done in post production is maybe diplicate fayer and blend to overlay. all in all good shot though.

[pjflan7]

I think it needs a touch of fill flash......would also benefit from the catch lights in her eyes to add some sparkle and life