Weak Area

[cm121886]

As stated this is one of my weak areas so I am posting to get any and all input. I used Auto Fx Dream Suite used for post processing
EXIF
Rebel XS Kit lens
Shutter Speed 1/5sec
ISO 200
Focal Length 29mm
f/8

[Chandel]

Wow weak area huh? lol i love it i think it looks amazing! A little drak but amazing job!

[cm121886]

Thank you Chandel maybe thats why many have not posted about it maybe I am just not good at picking out good people pics. Thanks again for the comment

[NicolaB]

Attractive model and lovely eyes.

I can't comment on pp 'cause I have no idea yet!

Were you using a tripod? I think there is camera shake? Apologies if this is teaching you to suck eggs, but it is very hard to get an image without camera shake under 1/60 sec. As a guide, it should be at least your lens length and ideally twice to minimise camera shake - ie a 50mm lens at 1/100 sec, 18-55mm lens at 1/125sec.

Lighting - ideally you should see a triangle of light on the darkest cheek (I think - some one with more experience please correct me if I am wrong). That would give you nice depth to the portrait.

Catchlights in the eyes and a strong focus on the eyes will also make a stronger image for you.

Personally I am not mad on the pose as I don't feel the focus is drawn strongly enough to the lovely face - you kind of wander around the image - does that make sense? The ROT would help to keep in mind - put the eyes on one of the intersections.

I hope this helps.

[windrider86]

Without having a more specific question, it's hard to know what to help you with. pp. I'm guessing. (Which area is your weak area? )

The pose is adorable! The pinkish tint for a boy isnt what i would call ideal. I'd try focusing on the eyes to make sure they re sharp as can be. For portraits, thats very important

[cm121886]

Sorry about the lack of a specific question I was looking for thought on the pose and general composition and thoughts on the post processing. It was taken off hand and the pose was just something I came up with and thought she looked good. Thanks for all the comments I will work on getting more light or using a tripod so that the picture is more crisp but their is a blur mask on it so I am not sure if thats what your seeing. Thanks again for all the comments

[BigFuzzy]

Hi. I think I'm going to sound harsh, but I promise I want to be constructive.

The thing/issue I have with this image is that you seem to have put more thought into the post processing instead of getting some of the basics right before even clicking the shutter.
What I mean by this is that the image is incredibly soft because of the 1/5th second shutter speed. I would have bumped iso up to at least 400 and maybe even higher if you have Lightroom which has a great noise reduction. The "soft" layer isn't the only reason it's so soft.. the lack of light has killed any contrast and sharp detail.

Plus the following compositional issues bother me a bit:
Her elbow seemingly growing out the side of her head.
The background is very very busy and the couch she's resting on is a bit distracting.
I also wish her collar wasn't encroaching on her face/mouth.
I find the composition to be very centered. I think placing her eyes more to the right of the frame and having more space to the left would have given it a nice long feel to it instead of the standard "in the center" thing.

As for the post processing, it's not bad I guess, but I really don't like the 'glow' thing you have going on.

Again, sorry if it's harsh, but I think with a bit of pre-thought, this could have been quite a good image.

[cm121886]

Thanks bigfuzzy that was exactly what I was looking for. I think the big problem with the light is because there wasn't enough in her face is that an accurate assumption. BTW I don't know if this would help at all but here is the original I didn't post it because I did want the post to turn into a before and after critique but since it might help here it is



Thanks again

[BigFuzzy]

Originally Posted by cm121886

Thanks bigfuzzy that was exactly what I was looking for. I think the big problem with the light is because there wasn't enough in her face is that an accurate assumption. BTW I don't know if this would help at all but here is the original I didn't post it because I did want the post to turn into a before and after critique but since it might help here it is
Thanks again

you're welcome, and thanks for taking that harshness in the spirit it was meant.

Yeah, bottom line is there could have been more light in her face, or you could have used spot metering to expose for her face, but as we've all noted (you as well) the lack of light would have caused a even longer shutter speed and more blurriness.

The light seems to be coming from the direction of her left elbow (ie behind her) so next time consider turning her so that her face is more towards the light.. or at least in a position to get more light into her face.

Holy crap.. I see you said "my wife" on flickr.. lucky man to have such a young looking and pretty wife... now do her justice with some awesome photos!

[cm121886]

Sounds good I look forward to trying some more portrait taking soon especially after I get my nifty 50 in a couple of weeks. thanks again for the advice