I can't seem to figure out portraits

[thisisbenji]

No matter how hard I try I never really like the way I take portraits. It's something that I believe I really need to work on. Anyways here's one of my more recent ones for you guys to pick apart.


November 06, 2011- 01.jpg by Benji Reynolds, on Flickr

One thing that I have a hard time with is framing, I never know how I should frame the photo.

[Liz Caldwell]

It's adorable. The lighting looks really good, it could use a bit of a catch light in the eyes to make them pop a bit, but that's minor...

The focus might be off a tiny tiny bit, the right wrist looks the sharpest to me, but it's a lovely photo all in all.

Have you tried adding a vignette? I could see a black vignette at 30% opacity looking nice on this...

Great job, thanks for sharing

[Liz Caldwell]

With framing, btw, when in doubt, go rule of 3rds

But remember, you got into art because you have good taste, never doubt that.

[SGToliver]

nice photo! she looks a bit uncomfortable in that position maybe but otherwise you should be happy with this and just keep trying to better yourself and your techniques.

[prince]

When you are working on a photo, you look at it so many times that your senses get accustomed to it and don't see the freshness anymore.

Your photo is good. May be if you turn her face more towards the right and allow some negative space than it will look better. You may even try leaving some room above her head and put the trail of leaves out of focus.

Spend some time daily on Flickr and Google Images to look at various portraits. Pick a few you like and observe them. List what you like and what you don't. Try out few things in your next session.

[thisisbenji]

Thanks for the advice guys.

[brianxlt]

I agree with the rest. Very nice shot colors, sharp and focus look good. Her face seems a tad to bright, and framing wise try the same shot at a slight angel to her rather then straight on. This is still a very nice shot and one I would be proud of.

[pkd14u]

I think this is a a nice photo, but not professional. I like that you got her whole body in the frame.

My thoughts to improve it:

You are very square on with your model. Square to her shoulders. If you moved to your left, the pose would feel very different.

You are standing to take the photo. Try different perspectives. Get eye level with her. Lie on the ground and shoot up at her. You may have done all of these things and were still happiest with this photo.

I can see some subtle post processing that would boost your colors, sharpen her eyes and give the photo more pop.

[ChrisAdval]

Originally Posted by thisisbenji

No matter how hard I try I never really like the way I take portraits. It's something that I believe I really need to work on. Anyways here's one of my more recent ones for you guys to pick apart.


November 06, 2011- 01.jpg by Benji Reynolds, on Flickr

One thing that I have a hard time with is framing, I never know how I should frame the photo.

it looks like it has no post processing, I think it would look better bumping up the contrast levels to give it that punch feel

[windrider86]

Heres your exif:
Camera Nikon D7000
Exposure 0.008 sec (1/125)
Aperture f/2.8
Focal Length 50 mm
ISO Speed 100
Exposure Bias +2/3 EV
Flash Off, Did not fire