Portraits - Can't seem to get 'em right

[daniyah]

I've been taking photographs for fun since I was a teenager, and now I'm starting to take it more seriously because I actually enjoy it. I had my first real photoshoot a week ago and I can't seem to nail the portrait photography down. Here's an example:



I need some advice! Please feel free to critique my (horrible) photography skills

[NicolaB]

Hi there

If you post your exif, that will help us cc

[MrJones]

why do you think it's horrible?

[Ranz]

I don't think it's horrible. You colours are nice. You could get a bit tighter on the subject though.

[JFSanders]

Hello??? Are you going to answer us back? What is it about this photograph that you find horrible? Within yourself is the answer you just have to dig for it. EFFORT in the right direction yields results in positive returns.


JIm

[sachin_ss]

daniyah,

I wish to state something, I might be wrong though!
I feel that the disctracting thing, or what you feel horrible is because of the hair of the model. I feel the red colour of hair is not properly matching with the background and the dress she is wearing. Another thing is, her hair are not properly combed/prepared for the photoshoot. Otherwise, it is a good portrait.

[daniyah]

Thank you all.

I don't know why it feels so wrong but something doesn't seem right. Perhaps its that it isn't so focused or the colors. Or maybe the glare from the sun. I just thought maybe it was me as i can be a tad too much of a perfections at times and wanted to see what others thought. I want to go into professionally photographing clients and i don't want to rip them off if you get what i mean.

Maybe it is just the hair! Hmm...

[daniyah]

Apologies for the double post. Jfsanders i like the edit minus the dark maroon lips. Though it does make the photo quite dramatic. How did you edit it?

[AdrenoJunkie]

You have a good image. If the colors bother you try adding a curves layer to increase the contrast a lil. I did that to it and it helped alot. That may give it the oomph to make you like it more.

[Rentham]

I quite like the original. I like the composition and colors. It might need a little contrast, but it certainly isn't horrible. The only other thing that bothers me is the harsh bokeh. What lens are you using?