First portrait shots (Senior pictures)

[aja-jenise]

Okay I am new here, and inexperienced outside the photog realm of my own children... but dont let that keep you from a strong critique. A few points I would like feedback on they are numbered as it helps me keep my thoughts and intents here organized.

Last year I took my first shots of someone outside my own family, namely my little children. At the time, I was using a Kodak...which it seems I see people using often. I have always been very impressed with the quality, as have others commented me. Anyhow, the pictures are my cousins senior pictures.
I am very interested on (1) any feedback, as my family have been the only ones to see them. Consider this, I orginally had them in another web album and I just copied the thumbnails to share them for this instance, so the quality is lacking since it is not the original copy. But for (2) exposure, composition and eye... I am curious of a more experienced opinion. She mentioned the photographer her friends used and could afford was not as good as these pictures. (3) Do you think she just an easy model to take pictures of... truly, she was quite inspiring with the scenery and all.

Dilemma, I am now using a Canon xSi (for a month) and I have found I am not as pleased with the pictures I have taken. (4) Is it just the case that I need to learn to wield it better? Its kind of unnerving since its a 'better' camera.


http://flickr.com/photos/shoupfam200...7609033117006/

Aja Shoup

[RexK_Cozumel]

All the images will benefit from some post processing work done to them. They are lacking contrast. Try doing a curves adjustment with a nice "s" curve to add more depth to the photos.

[sk66]

I think you did a very nice job. The natural light shots are very well done.

I will say that some are "pushing it"...The exposure is a bit hot on some and the flash is a bit harsh when it was used (judging by the pic, not exif)

I would also say that most girls want more of a "glamor treatment"...a bit of post work to minimize flaws such as temporary acne.."Softer" focus /lighting overall.

All in all though, I'd say you did very well. I'd be pretty pleased to have done as well.
In general, the more advanced the Camera the learning curve is exponentially higher...I still screw up the settings on my D300.

[aja-jenise]

Thank you both for such quick and helpful comments... I am looking forward to using these tips very soon. Currently I am using The Gimp for photo editing software as CS2 or CS3 would be a dream to use with all the available actions out there. Now I just need to read up on all the curves, touch-ups and exposure tips.

Thanks again...

[OsmosisStudios]

A little bit of postwork will go a long way.

Your shots are good, on the whole. There are a few that could use some adjustment, but generally theyre quite nice. It does help to have a gorgeous model

[aja-jenise]

See post work or processing is my downfall... I havent gotten into it until now. Its liek trying to cross creativity with computer literacy... I have a little of both... but need to get a bit more savvy with my open source software. The Gimp seems to have a wide variety of tools.

Thanks again,

[RexK_Cozumel]

Gimp will allow you to do about 90% of what photoshop will. For the price you really cant beat it. Anyways if you need help with processing feel free to ask.

[takethislife5150]

A nice S curve will really help these photos..