Recent model shoot

[ajax_andy]

Ok so here's my 2nd attempt at posting this after my 1st didn't work, and I also broke a lot of the rules about how many pics to post etc (oops!)

Its a recent pic from a portrait shoot I did with a model who wanted their portfolio updating... Did I get the lighting correct, should I have cut a little of the pillar he's leaning against off so he's more in the left 3rd?

I'm just looking for general feedback as this is the 1st time i've shot someone who wasn't family or a friend.

Camera: Canon 450d
Lens: Kit 18 - 55mm
Iso: 200
Exposure: 0.004 sec (1/250)
Aperture: f/4.5
White Balance: Auto

[SusanH1970]

I like the pose a lot, nicely done. He looks relaxed. I wish his toe hadn't been chopped off though, and there was a bit more room under his fingers.

What stood out most to me is the processing - the blue and red channels have been completely blown and the blacks are clipped.

[ajax_andy]

Originally Posted by SusanH1970

I like the pose a lot, nicely done. He looks relaxed. I wish his toe hadn't been chopped off though, and there was a bit more room under his fingers.

What stood out most to me is the processing - the blue and red channels have been completely blown and the blacks are clipped.

Hi,

Thanks for the feedback

Yes I definately should have got more of his foot and hand in... I thought that too tbh.

What could I have done to avoid the blue and red channels being blown, and the blacks clipped... and am I right in thinking this is a bad thing?

[SusanH1970]

Originally Posted by ajax_andy

Hi,

Thanks for the feedback

Yes I definately should have got more of his foot and hand in... I thought that too tbh.

What could I have done to avoid the blue and red channels being blown, and the blacks clipped... and am I right in thinking this is a bad thing?

Yeah, the blown/clipped areas wouldn't print well. What did you do for processing? Toned down a bit, this would be really cool.

[ajax_andy]

Originally Posted by SusanH1970

Yeah, the blown/clipped areas wouldn't print well. What did you do for processing? Toned down a bit, this would be really cool.

Ahh ok thanks for the info as I wasn't aware of that

I did quite a lot of post production tbh, but mainly curves and levels... I'm guessing i've over done it on the curves front?

Also the shot was taken in quite bright light as it was appraoching midday, could over exposing the shot have contributed?

[SusanH1970]

Curves is most likely the culprit.

The lighting is actually not bad from what I can see. Do you have a SOOC you could post?

[ajax_andy]

Originally Posted by SusanH1970

Curves is most likely the culprit.

The lighting is actually not bad from what I can see. Do you have a SOOC you could post?

I'll see if I can post it when i'm on my home PC... I think you're right though as I have a habit of over curving things!

I've been reading up on Histograms since your feedback and think i now have a better understanding of keeping colours to a level where they don't become blown out... so thanks for your help

[SusanH1970]

Happy to help!

[S_Sanyal]

Hi ajax-andy...Its a great pose and composition.

I think you're losing some detail because of enhanced contrasts(face-camera right and shadow under his right leg), also it looks oversaturated (the red rectangle behind him is popping way too much) possibly because of the same reason. As Susan has rightly pointed out, these may be major issues when you print for the portfolio!

Work the curves to get the best balance between contrast and detail.
I would personally pull back the saturation a teeny bit too.
Also calibrate your monitor to match the print if it isn't already.

[ajax_andy]

Originally Posted by S_Sanyal

Hi ajax-andy...Its a great pose and composition.

I think you're losing some detail because of enhanced contrasts(face-camera right and shadow under his right leg), also it looks oversaturated (the red rectangle behind him is popping way too much) possibly because of the same reason. As Susan has rightly pointed out, these may be major issues when you print for the portfolio!

Work the curves to get the best balance between contrast and detail.
I would personally pull back the saturation a teeny bit too.
Also calibrate your monitor to match the print if it isn't already.

Hi, thanks for the feedback.

Yeah I will work on those issues with for my next shoot... I think i've overdone the curves, but now I understand the Histogram better I will hopefully be able to deliver a more balanced end product.

Good idea to pull back the saturation a bit... i'll definately do that next time as have done that on previous pics to good effect.