What is your opinion on my style of closeup portraits?

[morts]

As in the title - what do people think of my style of portrait shots? I've been snapping them for a while and I've just stopped to think about how they're framed - I realise that closeup portraits aren't everyone's cup of tea, but I'd be grateful for any comments you guys have on them.

Here's an example!


Exposure: 0.01 sec (1/100)
Aperture: f/1.8
Focal Length: 50 mm
ISO Speed: 200
Exposure Bias: -1/3 EV
Flash: Flash did not fire


I know I've used this one before on SYS but I'd like some proper commentary on it, if you would!

If you want more examples, I think there's a load on Flickr.

[dhart]

I know that I have better luck with this type of shot with children. You can get away with it with pre-teens and above, but you have to more careful about framing. This shot is good. I like this and this type of photo. Not everyone does. Blurring the background like you have is a must.
The only nit-picking thing I see is I would like to see her other eye more. In this type of shot, its all about the eyes.

[wulf]

I like it although, with this image, I think it would have been better to include all of her chin. I'm a fan of portraits that get in close but this feels a little too constricted. Do you frame this way in camera or do you crop down afterwards? The latter is a better approach for experimentation as it gives you more framing options after the fact.

Wulf

[jovz88]

her mouth is like the odd point of the photo; it doesn't echo how fierce her eyes are.

Love the tone though, and nice subject placement within the frame....IMO her chin was passable here.

[sk66]

In general, I like tightly cropped closeups like this as long ast there is something very interesting, like her eyes in this pic.
As for this one in particular, I would have included her chin or cropped tighter on the sides...probably just inside the edges of her hair leaving her eyes at the upper 1/3 line.
On this monitor there is a little harsh darkness on the left side of the picture along mouth, nose, eye...but that could be the monitor I'm viewing from right now. It's not so good.

[Cuchulainn]

I guess it is one of those style preferences where you like it or you don't. When it comes to photographing people I tend to be more of the "don't" camp. It gives impossibly long dimensions to the face front to back, distorts features and to me at least, doesn't do anything to flatter the subject. A very attractive model, who I feel would be even more so from a more natural perspective.

But, like everything in art, it is all in the eye of the beholder.

[starrylaurie]

Originally Posted by morts

As in the title - what do people think of my style of portrait shots?

I really like your style. I get really tired of the same ol', same ol'. A fresh perspective is nice every now and then. I say, good job!

[morts]

Originally Posted by sk66

In general, I like tightly cropped closeups like this as long ast there is something very interesting, like her eyes in this pic.
As for this one in particular, I would have included her chin or cropped tighter on the sides...probably just inside the edges of her hair leaving her eyes at the upper 1/3 line.
On this monitor there is a little harsh darkness on the left side of the picture along mouth, nose, eye...but that could be the monitor I'm viewing from right now. It's not so good.

I can sort of see where you're coming from about the framing, but I wanted to get more background in, even if it WAS out of focus, to provide a balance to the shot.

As for the darkness, I think it's your monitor's calibration - mine's showing no harsh colour/shadow. Anyone?

[sk66]

Originally Posted by morts

I can sort of see where you're coming from about the framing, but I wanted to get more background in, even if it WAS out of focus, to provide a balance to the shot.

As for the darkness, I think it's your monitor's calibration - mine's showing no harsh colour/shadow. Anyone?

Yeah, now that I'm at home on my calibrated system it looks much better.

[morts]

Originally Posted by sk66

Yeah, now that I'm at home on my calibrated system it looks much better.

I was beginning to get worried...