First Photoshoot - How Did I Do?

[swiftmed]

Hey Ladies and Gents,

Well this week I have offered friends and family the opportunity of a free photoshoot in order for me to get some practice in. Today was the first, and it was of my cousin. As per the forum rules, I have posted three pictures below that id like some critique on if possible please?

Thanks a lot.



Exposure: 1/160
Aperture: f4.0
Focal: 28mm
ISO: 160



Exposure: 1/250
Aperture: f4.5
Focal: 161mm
ISO: 100



Exposure: 1/250
Aperture: f4.5
Focal: 135mm
ISO: 100

[Rentham]

The first and third images feel contrived. Sort of have the "pooping in the woods" thing going on in the third image. But I really like the second image. Nice, buttery OOF background and nice eyes/expression on her. I don't mind the tight composition.

[swiftmed]

I must admit, i found trying to 'pose' them and make it look natural really really difficult. :'( We did a few spontaneous shots that have come out quite nicely, but they are more 'candid' type photos.

[MrJones]

first of all, you have a beautiful cousin which is a great model!
my favorite is the second one.. the green and the blue work together very nicely.
in the first one the pose doesn't do it for me. I think it would have been better if she was turning the other way leaning her back on the wall. I know everyone makes that photo but I guess there is a reason for it. her hugging the wall just feels weird.
another thing is her hand popping out from under, I think it would have been better without the hand on the wall.
other than that, technically you did a good job.. just work on the pose.
in the third photo you have a problem with the pose: her left elbow is locked which is unflattering. try to pose your models that their joints aren't locked like that, just give it a little bend.
a general issue is your shutter speed. in the first photo it's a bit slow (1/160) - you can work with an ISO value of 200 or even 400 without getting noise in the photo but gaining a higher shutter speed which will help you to prevent motion blur from the shaking of your hands.

all in all, great job for a first photo shoot!