1st Portrait Attempt

[Ubergeek]

I took this photo of my girlfriend trying to learn how to get to grips with the camera and the lighting (just using some DIY lighting for the moment)

Any tips or comments on how i can improve this photo then i would be most grateful.

Canon 1000D / Digital Rebel
fl2.8
50mm Lens
IS0 100

Regards.

[zona5101]

Good job on your first attempt!! Attractive girl, I'm sure both of you will have fun experimenting and refining and your portrait work. As fas as a critique, the image looks out of focus...that maybe the compression used to post the picture but the catchlight isn't sharp. There is a lot of empty black space that isn't doing much but deemphasizing your subject. The far side of her face is in deep shadow. A reflector or another lighting source on the far side would be good. The goal isn't to eliminate shadows necessarily but to not have her far eye without detail. With such a dark background a rimlight or hair light would help to give her some depth and appear less flat. I'm not sure the pose is the best choice, it makes her upper forearm too prevelent. Shes got a great natural smile - have fun!

[Ubergeek]

Thank you for your comments and suggestions. I see what you mean by the focus, didn’t notice it before. I tried focusing on her eye but she kept moving and trying to get the focus point on her eye while the camera was on the tripod was fiddly. I only have the one light at the moment but plan to get a couple more and a better background (this was just a black couch throw, hung over the curtains) Also you mentioned the forearm would leaning slightly towards the camera and dropping her shoulder down a little make a difference or would you suggest a different pose all together? I don’t think this was a specific pose I think I just managed to catch her trying different poses out and kept snapping.

Regards.

[FirstLight]

Looks like you had a lot of fun! Unfortunately, my SO isn't so into it, so I get to experiment on my kids. We have a lot of fun playing, though.

I would also suggest you try raising your light a good bit. The lit-from-below look is not usually very flattering. Notice the shadows under her right eye, caused from your light being "under" her cheek. Experiment with where you are placing your light. This is especially easy to do with continuous lighting because you can see the affect before you shoot.

Also, the reason why the framing is not so great is that she is facing away from that negative space, almost as though you have two images here, kwim? She is facing the right, which draws your attention there, but the image cuts off. Then your eye wants to know whats up with that space on the left. (Not saying this is bad 100% of the time, but doesn't work here.) Try a similar pose (the arm thing was already mentioned, so watch out for that) but have her facing toward the negative space instead.

HTH

[zona5101]

Originally Posted by Ubergeek

Thank you for your comments and suggestions. I see what you mean by the focus, didn’t notice it before. I tried focusing on her eye but she kept moving and trying to get the focus point on her eye while the camera was on the tripod was fiddly. I only have the one light at the moment but plan to get a couple more and a better background (this was just a black couch throw, hung over the curtains) Also you mentioned the forearm would leaning slightly towards the camera and dropping her shoulder down a little make a difference or would you suggest a different pose all together? I don’t think this was a specific pose I think I just managed to catch her trying different poses out and kept snapping.

Regards.

Ya figitdy girlfriend-models! That's why its best to tie them up first! (ok, i am kidding).
Having one light is absolutly fine and really a great way to learn & understand lighting. You can use a reflector to bounce in some fill light...and a nice piece of white posterboard makes a great DIY reflector. Firstlight has a good suggestion to get the light up higher if you can. With regard to the arm...try a couple of things including changing the pose but if you decide to try the same pose again, put all the empty black on the other side - the side she is leaning into. I saw your other shot in the "share your shot section" that looks like another beautiful diamond in the ruff! Keep at it -Good luck and have fun!

[FirstLight]

Originally Posted by zona5101

...and a nice piece of white osterboard makes a great DIY reflector.

Yep, I second this for sure. Had a huge sheet of white foam core board that cost next to nothing. Was my favorite 'reflector' til I left it somewhere after a shoot... which is another reason it's my fave - just go buy another one - lol. And as 'ghetto' as it sounds, a car window reflector works well too - you can get that for a few bucks at a dollar store, and they usually have at least one side that is silver. It folds well for travel, but is not as sturdy (obviously) as the board (so you may need to rig something up or have another set of hands), but it will reflect more light. My first reflector was on of these with a NASCAR thing on the non-silver side - worked well as a warming reflector with the red and white stripes- LOL.