Does this work?

[OhSnapPhotos]

I know there are a few things wrong with this shot - the biggest of which being the left arm is cut off.

I cropped for 8x10 and lightened up/dulled the background. Other than that it's pretty much SOC.

What works and what doesn't re: lighting, pose, anything else I might have missed.

There are some other shots from this shoot and the first shoot in my Picasa album. I think I'm going to have one more shoot with this friend. She's looking for a nice, but fairly 'real' portrait as a gift for her husband.

Thanks!



EXIF:
Model: E-510
ISO: 400
Exposure: 1/4 sec
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 36mm
Flash Used: No

[naeno]

I looked at the album too. I actually like the ones with her in the maroon sweater with the black background, personal preference.

My biggest critique, though...don't let her slouch! She doesn't have to look like a stiff board, but a straight back will do wonders. Being someone who naturally slouches myself, I know this is easier said than done, but she'll be a lot happier with the pictures if she straightens that back.

[swilliams61]

Nice, natural smile and lighting. The pose seems too "crunched up"...maybe opening the pose a little by having her face forward more. (How do I get to your Picassa album?)

[OhSnapPhotos]

HA!!! I had a few other pics up on a different site and had some folks comment on them. One is very similar to this but her back is much straighter. They all preferred this one! I'll add the other to Picasa so you can compare. It also shows both hands.

I also added two more in the burgandy top. One seated and one portrait.

You should be able to get to the album by clicking the picture. Sorry I didn't mention before.

Amazing how tastes differ, isn't it?!

[naeno]

HA!!! I had a few other pics up on a different site and had some folks comment on them. One is very similar to this but her back is much straighter. They all preferred this one!

Opinions are fascinating!

Ok, after looking again and checking out the other picture, I too like this one better, but what's getting me is she's "sinking" into her shoulder. In the one that's similar her shoulder is too far forward and her head needs to come back. She just needs to be opened up in both.

I like your lighting. It's very natural and nice!

[dlaf]

Given her coloring and no-makeup look, IMHO, she looks much better with the burgundy sweater. I especially like the shot with her jeans because the blue adds another color. I don't know enough in this area, but the three colors just work better for me. The three colors being black, burgundy, and blue--she's too neutral to count as a color. I also think the denim softens it all. It would be nice to see the blue in her eyes brightened a bit, too. She looks soft and natural. It works for me.

[WooD]

If you shoot the same pose again, next time try a shot of her gently grasping her shin instead of just letting her hand hang there. That way you'll be shooting her hand from a side view instead of straight on. I'd try and talk her into adding more make up to her eyes, just so they stand out more.

Have you tried any shots where your shooting from above her, like on a small ladder?

Love your backdrop.....what is it?

[OhSnapPhotos]

She actually had make-up on for this shoot, but since she doesn't usually wear it at all went for something more natural looking. I will mention about putting a little more around the eyes.

Her eyes are actually a very dark blue, but I *might* try to see if I can lighten them a little. My pp skills are not that great yet.

Will also try some shots from above. Meant to try some looking down on her with her face upturned this past session and time got away from us.

The background is just blue crushed velvet from the local WalMart! Cheap and easy.

[ali1977]

hey- me again- make-up girl. i know this lady isn't the biggest fan of make-up, but she needs to get over it and pop out those eyes. her eyes seem like they could be very striking, but she is so washed out, I can't see anything about her face. just a little bit of shadow, some higlighter along the brow bone, and in the inside corners of the eyes, and for god's sake, give her some mascara and lip gloss!

also- for her happiness with these shots, have her straighten up her back and pull her bra band down to smooth out that back-fat area we women all struggle with! i know i hate mine, and i hate seeing it in pictures.

i like the burgundy sweater better, as well. she needs some color.

good luck!

[OhSnapPhotos]

Ali,
You're just gonna have to come show us what's right! LOL

She's got on eye liner, eye shadow, bronzer, lip liner, lip gloss, pretty much everything but mascara which she swore she had, but wasn't in the bag she'd brought.

We were both laughing thinking she looked almost orange with the bronzer, but I'm guessing it doesn't look that way to anyone else?

Keep the critiques coming. Right now she's still willing game!