First B/W Portrait - Thoughts?

[griffmcgrath]

Hi All -

This is my first formal black and white portrait. I'm wondering what you all think? How is the focus/framing/etc.

Thanks for taking a look. I appreciate any advice you may be able to give.



Nikon D3100
ISO 100
55mm
-1ev
f/4
1/15 sec

[zona5101]

It is a beautiful shot, the lighting is very nice. Your B&W conversion is a little muddy, it could stand a bit more contrast.

[Doug Sundseth]

For black and white photos, I would generally like to see a bit more contrast. This seems a little gray to me.

Your background is a bit cluttered, which tends to draw the eye away from the subject.

Other than the background, I like the sharpness and DoF quite a bit. It's a very clean and flattering look. I think I'd crop so that the subjects eyes are a bit further away from the center of the shot, though. If you print this at 8x10, I'd recommend cropping from the top of the frame.

I would suggest that you carry a bit of powder to kill reflections like the one in the center of the subject's forehead.

The subject's smile looks a bit forced to me. I get the feeling that she wasn't especially comfortable in front of the camera. I think you might benefit from spending a bit more time establishing a rapport before shooting your final shots. (FWIW, that's the part I have the most trouble with.)

I like your short/Rembrandt lighting here. I prefer a bit more drop from key to fill, but that's a style thing. I think you could use a hair light or background light (if you use a simpler background) to afford a bit of separation of subject from background.

HTH

[JFSanders]

Excellent critique Doug! Both Bruce and Doug are spot on. I think this is a commendable first effort and with a bit of judicious development will result in a very usable portrait. I took the liberty to develop this image per Doug and Bruce's suggestions. If you wish it removed just let me know and I will delete it.

Jim

[griffmcgrath]

Originally Posted by JFSanders

Excellent critique Doug! Both Bruce and Doug are spot on. I think this is a commendable first effort and with a bit of judicious development will result in a very usable portrait. I took the liberty to develop this image per Doug and Bruce's suggestions. If you wish it removed just let me know and I will delete it.

Jim

Hi Jim,

That's great! I really appreciate everyone's input. It will definitely help for my next session!

Griffin