Sun Flare Portrait

[pkd14u]

Hey All! Looking for critique on this portrait. Thanks!

Is the lens flare too much? What do you think of the composition? What could I do when shooting that would improve the photo. The only photoshop done was a bit of contrast enhancement.


Marah by pkd14u, on Flickr

Shot RAW, full manual. Here's the EXIF:
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel XT
Date: 9/20/2011
Shutter Speed: 1/100 sec
Program: Manual
F-Stop: f/8
ISO: 200
Focal Length: 85mm
Lens: 28-135mm
Flash: Did not fire
Metering Mode: Partial

[BigFuzzy]

Personally, I like sunflare and images that are back lit like this one. Many will not be fans. It's a taste thing.

The only thing I'd say is that the subject feels too underexposed. I'd like to be able to see her face a bit more/better.

Also, you cropped of her finger tips.. not typically viewed as a good thing to do.

Lastly, it's a very centered composition. While it's not technically wrong, I don't find that it's very exciting either. I think having more space to the left would have helped the image a bit (and wouldn't have cropped her fingers.)

Otherwise, it's a pretty nice shot and (to me) a good use of the sun. Just be careful about exposing a bit more for her face (or bouncing more light into it via a reflector or flash) and careful with the cropping/composition.

keep it up and keep posting.

[pkd14u]

That was a great critique. Thank you! I was shooting without reflectors or other lighting props, so her face is a bit hazy. Must get reflectors. I've actually had them in my Amazon cart, just haven't completed the purchase.

Yes, I was disappointed that I didn't get a bit more to the left of the shot, cutting her finger tips off. That is something I definitely need to work on. It was a little tough since she was moving. I am glad I got the hair swing in the shot though. Maybe if I had backed off just a little, I could have cropped it to be better aligned.

Thanks so much for your thoughtful critique. Lots to learn.

[danbaileyphoto]

I love the color and quality of the light, but there's just a little too much flare. Also, I'd like to see her placed a bit more towards the edge of right side of the frame, that would give the shot more motion and a dynamic feel. I think even moving a little closer and adjusting the framing would help reduce the flare a little bit.

Regarding reflectors and diffusers, there are some really great ways that you can improve images like this by using simple lighting tools, or else by using an off camera strobe. There are some relatively inexpensive options, especially if you're ok with shooting in non TTL manual mode.