pregnancy portrait

[deborahinky]

this is my first portrait shoot. i want to improve so lemme know what you think & what I can do better, please. thanks much



Nikon D80
aperture f/5.6

[johassler]

The photo overall feels too dark to me. (Well, maybe I mean the contrast isn't right in my view - the black can be black, but the grey people should be lighter grey, perhaps).

I like the composition.

[SusanH1970]

Definitely too dark.

[deborahinky]

This is also the only photo I've posted in the critique SO - I posted the wrong one. I think this one is better but may still be too dark?? I converted to BW in CS4 adjustments & I'm just learning that also...I'm on information overload...so check this one out please & comment if you have time...thanks!

[SandeeWig]

The second one is definitely better, though still a little dark. My main problem is the lack of separation between the women and the background. Because they have on black, they blend right in. My suggestion would be to either light the background, or add a hair light onto your subjects so that you can see the outline of their bodies.

Lovely composition.

[slugger]

I would have to agree with the previous post....altho, I'm guilty of using the exact same lighting set up.

I too like the composition, it's just a little too dark for my taste though.

[nswphotos]

I love B&W but this one just doesn’t do it for me. I would suggest a lighter background, and the composition just doesn’t seem right, maybe a side view of her holding her tummy as she looks down like she is nurturing, with her friend behind supporting her.

[SandeeWig]

Just to see if it could be done, I did a quick ps edit. I'm happy to take it down if you like, just let me know. I was able to bring out the lines/curves of their bodies just enough by adjusting the black end of the curve adjustment. I also brightened the overall image a bit. Then added in some contrast to make the black still black. Just my $0.02.

ETA: The attachment doesn't do it justice, but you get the idea. Could still be a bit darker and show their lines.