Need help!

[BrianJeffery]

Well I got a camera two weeks ago and got a friend to let me take pictures of her. I know some of the shadows a harsh on her face but I cant afford off camera flashes or reflectors just yet I was wondering if I'm going in the right direction Compstition style wise exposure, ect..... I would really love the feedback so everything will only help me get better thanks, Brian

these were probably my favorite of the day all though there are about 10 out of 119 shots i liked ohh and that she liked too. thanks again.
p.s. I just looked at the photos I loaded them at 50 percent quality so they look a little fuzzy but I assure you they are in focus and very crisp

[OsmosisStudios]

The first one has the top of her head cut off, and thats a big downer for me. Its not SO bad on the second, but it would be interesting to see one with her head in it too.

As for style, I like it. The shadows are harsh, but the look is there.

[richerimage]

Try some tissue paper covering your flash - this will diffuse the light a bit more.

Other tips: Try a mirror or two just off camera, the light off your flash should bounce off these and fill in any unwanted shadows. Also, an easy way of losing a shadow in the background is to have your subject a few feet away from the wall. Hope this helps, - Good luck!

PS. Nice work.

[sarahgirl777]

I agree with OsmosisStudios about cutting of her head, but although I'm not an expert, I think you're heading in the right direction with the composition etc. Nice shots.

[DanaLane]

I've got no problems with cutting off the top of her head, as long as its intentional and I shoot alot of portraits with cropped heads. They both are great starts, though the first image is a bit busy in the lower left corner. For me, the idea with portraiture is to pull the attention to the subjects face, so simplicity is best.

[BrianJeffery]

thank you thank you for the comments I will work on some of these things tomorrow as i'm shooting another girl I did intentionally cut the head off I felt the pictures looked a little more interesting this way I do have some without the head cut off But..... and I'm not sure why I kinda like them like this well at least these one's I'll post some more pics in the next day or so to see if i'm improving thanks again for the feedback I really appreciate it!

[lputman]

You can use white posterboard or foamboard as a reflector or if you've got one of those shields that go in the car windows to reflect the sun. Take a business card and hold it under the flash on your camera and that will a help diffuse the light some.