Very dissatisfied with this image. How can I improve it?

[mermaidshells]

This photo was taken from a spur of the moment boudoir shoot with a friend. You can see more of the tamer photos from the shoot here.

The room was DARK first of all. Even with the over head lamp on, the hall light on, and a desk lamp it was still rather dreary inside. I think I managed to over compensate my ISO and exposure settings, but I'm not sure if that's even close to correct as I'm still struggling with trying to figure out my exposure and lighting in darker areas on Manual mode.

I think a good deal of shots from the session turned out pretty good, but this one, in my opinion, is my weakest shot.


How can I improve this image? Any tips on what I should do when I get the chance to re-shoot this?

Thanks for looking!

[LeeR]

Can I suggest you look at the work of David Hamilton? He is probably the best boudoir photographer ever (original prints sell for $12,000 each). He has a way of imparting a dreamlike quality to his images that is sexy and alluring. In addition to the grainy softfocus quality of his images you will also notice that he uses rather flat lighting; none of the harsh shadows and garish colors as seen in your image. I honestly think you can make this work, you are just going to have to experiment a lot and Hamilton's work may give you some ideas.

[wulf]

What makes you say it is the weakest shot? What would you change to improve it (or why would you keep it at all)?

Wulf

ps. posting the key EXIF info, as per the guidelines, would be nice - you can find that here

[Benji]

While looking at Mr. Hamilton's work may give you some inspiration, it would be like a first grader looking at an Algebra book.

Most men think taking images of naked (or nearly so) women will be a real easy. In reality it is the most difficult area in photography. Clothing does wonders in hiding rolls of fat, lines, wrinkles, bulges, birthmarks and so forth, but how can they be hidden without clothing? With good posing and good lighting and props. Good posing and good lighting are not learned overnight. It usually takes years.

The camera manufacturers have really done a number on you amateur photographers. I'm sure we all have seen the commercials on TV where the GWC is in the grandstands, sees a football being passed, whips the camera up and fires off six breathtakingly beautiful shots in a row, and all he did was put the camera up to his eye and press the shutter button. This is pure fantasy for the amateur image maker.

Critique of your image. The background does absolutely nothing for the woman or the image. There should be a theme here. Since she has a tiger stripe swimsuit on, I would go with an exotic animal theme, or just a plain background.

The pose is not flattering to her at all. We can't see her face so there is no connection to the viewer. She is making a fist. The lighting is not photographic nor is it photogenic. It is up to the image maker to make the lighting pleasing. The word photograph literally means light drawing or light writing. Hard harsh shadows seldom have a place in an image of a female.

Benji

[cherrygirl]

I am not saying the woman is unattractive but the image of her is. I think Benji is right on with his post. There is no shame in being an amateur but this photo and the set of them shows the lack of experience.

Don't let the advice discourage you, learn more about lighting and posing and keep trying.

[sarahenn]

i think that rich, gorgeous blue background is the most interesting thing about this image. i think it goes nicely with the print on her bra - both are a little funky.

i would agree that, the fact that her face is hidden beneath the hat, disconnects the viewer. here is what i think would make this a better shot:
1) if possible, shoot in day light, don't rely on artificial lighting (is there a window in that room?)
2) have the model play with the hat, maybe make it so it's covering half her face, with a playful smile and peering out from under the hat with one eye, making contact with the camera/viewer that way. if that were the pose, it'd be coy, sexy, playful, and engages the viewer.
3) maybe next time have the model playing with one of the bra straps, have her thumb go underneath, starting to pull it down slightly off one shoulder, etc, because the fist is not so inviting or sexy

i personally disagree about david hamilton - a LOT of his shots look old-fashioned and the soft focus doesn't do anything for me, personally.

[prettymistake83]

I am no expert by far. I am just a hobby photographer. I would say with this one if she was looking more at the camera and the way the hat is on her head I would have had her take it off and hold it in front of her maybe. I think to that her hand looks like its coming from no where. But these are just opinions and its your photo no one can tell you really if its a good or bad photo but you. I always look at my photos and go if I don't like it I toss it I don't dwell on the bad ones because in the long run your going to have those.

I hope this helps you.
KZ