Learning about portraits

[Snesi Su]

Hi Guys,

A couple of weeks ago I went out for some night shots, where in the meantime I did a little portrait shoot for my girlfriend. It was not the intention of that day, so I wasn't really prepared for it.

Anyways.. I'm in the learning process.
1. Is it a good pose?
2. a good composition?
3. right exposure?
4. good color tone?
5. etc?



Exif data:
Camera Fujifilm FinePix S9600
Exposure 0.013 sec (1/80)
Aperture f/3.3
Focal Length 9.3 mm
ISO Speed 100
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash On, Fired

[jonnyquest45]

1. Is it a good pose?

I think the pose is fine

2. a good composition?

I think there is far to little room in front of her. rule of thumb says to leave nose room so more in front of her less behind

3. right exposure?

looks good on my monitor. though the sky looks gloomy

[Snesi Su]

Originally Posted by jonnyquest45

1. Is it a good pose?

I think the pose is fine

2. a good composition?

I think there is far to little room in front of her. rule of thumb says to leave nose room so more in front of her less behind

3. right exposure?

looks good on my monitor. though the sky looks gloomy

Thanks for your reply. It was becoming night and it was very cloudy. a bit of rain was hanging in the air i think

but what exactly do you mean by the eave the nose room...?

[MrJones]

I think the technical aspects are ok but my feeling is that it would have worked better horizontally.
I just don't like the chopped of hands, a pose like that feels better when you see the spread arms.
btw, you could have bumped up your ISO and gotten a brighter background.

[Snesi Su]

Originally Posted by MrJones

I think the technical aspects are ok but my feeling is that it would have worked better horizontally.
I just don't like the chopped of hands, a pose like that feels better when you see the spread arms.
btw, you could have bumped up your ISO and gotten a brighter background.

Such a simple thing huh..! I think it would've looked better horizontally indeed! ugh, shame on me..
next time i'll watch the background more carefully

[jonnyquest45]

Originally Posted by Snesi Su

but what exactly do you mean by the leave the nose room...?

basically you put more space in the crop or in the photo to begin with what ever way the nose is pointing. your subject is facing slightly to her left so there should be more negative space on her left side then her right side.

[Snesi Su]

Originally Posted by jonnyquest45

basically you put more space in the crop or in the photo to begin with what ever way the nose is pointing. your subject is facing slightly to her left so there should be more negative space on her left side then her right side.

aah ok. now i get it! good point

[zona5101]

Direct flash is tough on portraits...but sometimes thats all you have. In this case we get some specular highlights on the face and of course the reflection in the dress. I'm not keen on the angle, it would have been a bit more flattering had you shot from slightly above.

[Snesi Su]

Originally Posted by zona5101

Direct flash is tough on portraits...but sometimes thats all you have. In this case we get some specular highlights on the face and of course the reflection in the dress. I'm not keen on the angle, it would have been a bit more flattering had you shot from slightly above.

Yes, I used my pop up flash. I will try different angles on another 'photo shoot'
thanks for the tips