Can you please tell me how to get a nice effect

[Lorry]

Hello,

These are photos of a couple that I did for free as I'm not ready in myself to start charging money...still practising.

I was hoping someone could give me some information about how :

* I can better these photos to make them look more portrait like if that even exists.
* Do they need to change their color is there something in Photoshop CS4 which I use that could make them look more appealing...
* Am I being too critical of myself.
* Also could you let me know if these photos are any good and if I'm on the right track.

Your input would be so appreciated..
ThankYou
Lorry

Below is the link to the photos in flikr....It's the photos of the couple as Im unsure how to just upload the pics straight to here.

Flickr: lorry39's Photostream

[Lorry]

Thought I would add that they didn't want posed shots ie looking straight at the camera only natural as being a young couple they wanted to add them to Facebook.
Thanks
Lorry

[zona5101]

check the posting rules then pick one of your shots and link it here in the post rather than a link to a group of photos....

[JFSanders]

My answers in bold green.

* I can better these photos to make them look more portrait like if that even exists.

A better understanding of what the different kinds of light do to a subject. Adding or subtracting light from your subject in specific amounts to create a subject that "pops" out of the image. Also, a better understanding of Depth of Field and its use in making your subject stand out in a busy and complicated background.

* Do they need to change their color is there something in Photoshop CS4 which I use that could make them look more appealing...

I am sure there are a bunch of tools in photoshop that will allow you to process the base photo into something resembling that which you seek. But I doubt the learning curve is easier than doing it in camera.

* Am I being too critical of myself.

No, the ability to perform the editor function in the process from idea to product cannot be overstated.

* Also could you let me know if these photos are any good and if I'm on the right track.

Yes, they look natural and unforced. Their love for each other comes through clearly, although it is attenuated by a lack of skill on your part. This isn't said to be harsh. But to help you to understand and inculcate the desire and determination to stretch yourself in the pursuit of skill and creativity that is surely inside you.

Now go read the sticky at the top of this sub-forum and commit it to memory. Adjust your original post and maybe some others will come in here and tell you to ignore me and you are doing fantastic or they may back me up!

[MrJones]

JFSanders gave you a great response.
I just want to add that I think you're doing a great job as a beginner and most of the photos look great!
good job

[BigFuzzy]

Besides what everyone said about reading the critique forum rules, I'll a couple of things:

Learn when's a good time to shoot. You're shooting in the middle of the day for most of the image which is the worst possible time. It's why you have such harsh highlights and differences in contrast in your images. It's also a reason you have not so nice shadows on their faces and lack of light in their eyes which is crucial to thise sort of photography.

Yes, definitely learn about DoF and learn about "open shade" if you must shoot in such daylight.

I think you should worry more at this time about what you're doing in-camera than what to do later in Post processing as I think your images could benefit more from proper exposure, good use of DoF and judicious use of fill-flash.

[Lorry]

Thankyou for your replies, very much appreciated...I will keep at it...:-)

[LeeR]

I think you are getting good advice here, especially when it comes to 'open shade.' Being able to find and use that, along with finding a suitable background for your subjects, will revolutionize your images. Keep in mind that when you are starting out the light that is perfect for portraits often looks rather flat in the camera but sparkles in the final image.

[Lorry]

Thankyou very much for your advice...cant wait to start putting these tips to good use..

Lorry

[shauncunninghamphoto]

Originally Posted by BigFuzzy

I think you should worry more at this time about what you're doing in-camera than what to do later in Post processing as I think your images could benefit more from proper exposure, good use of DoF and judicious use of fill-flash.

Hey Lorry. Let me just say, great job! You definitely have an eye for composition and for "moment catching." DSC_0739, 0559 and 0474 are testament to that.

I wholeheartedly agree with BigFuzzy's quote above. If you concentrated on nothing else but DoF and fill on your next shoot you would see a big difference. For example, it is AMAZING what a simple bounce disc can do for you with regards to fill and making your photos really "pop." For example, your photo below is a great natural shot and well composed. I like the angle (camera lower than subject eye level). Unfortunately, the lighting makes the difference between a good shot and an amazing one. The highlight/overexposure on the boy's arm and girl's shoulder distracts from the "moment" captured in their darkened faces. A $50 bounce disc (or even aluminum foil over card) would have completely changed this shot. The boy's thumb would look like it was attached to the rest of his hand and the bounce/fill light would have lit up their faces. It would've also given you a wonderful crop opportunity to get right into their faces as a 2nd shot from one image.

The cheapest and best tip I have ever been given and never forgotten is the benefit of a bounce disc. A bounce disc would've also made all the difference to DSC_0394edit.

Best....
Shaun

Home - Shaun Cunningham Photography