My first attempt at portrait

[AndCity]

My local camera club have a competition coming up for portraits so I thought I'd have a go. I have chosen two - one in black and white and the other in colour which can be viewed on my Flickr.

I'd be interested in any critique on how to improve or even tell me to start again!

[AndCity]

54 views and no critique? Either I've got it right or it's so pants no-one is bothering to comment?

I would really be interested to know if I'm barking op the wrong tree or not and how I can improve on this.

Sorry to post again on this but... please be critical - it's the only way to learn.

I can't post any EXIF on the image as I have played around with it in Photoshop.

Thanks
Andrew

[laura.wilkerson1333]

I don't like the photo much in the first place because of the composition and tones. But if you like it, that's what's important. You can fix the tones, should you decide to keep it, by tweaking the levels. But I say nix the whole shot because...well...it won't win.

[AndCity]

Thanks Laura, that's exactly what I need to hear. Do you think a black background would work better by adding more contrast?

[fbroschart]

I agree with Laura, it's a little stark. If you are going for a profile shot, try not to get quite so tight. This one is a bit too close to me. Search the archives and get a good luck at some more successful portraits, I'm sure you'll get some great ideas. Good luck!

[laura.wilkerson1333]

I don't know...I really just think you should take a new one. A believe a photo should ALWAYS--no matter the context--resonate with the viewer in some way or another. This one does nothing to me, so that's why I say cut it.

[AndCity]

Thank you both, I very much appreciate your comments. I think it's back to the drawing board and as you say, have a look around and get an idea of what other people are taking and are having success with.

Another problem is that out of my wife and children, only the youngest will pose and then only for a short time. I'm seriously considering accosting someone in the street!

[senorfrisk]

I think you need more contrast between the subject and the background. And it is a bit close. Perhaps different lighting angles and a darker background would help. I suggest you check out Only1Shot on flickr. He has some incredible black and white protraits.

[AndCity]

Thank you - I had a look at Only1Shot, there are some brilliant images there as you say.

So, taking all your advice on board (apart from starting again, as getting my son to pose again is difficult) I have left the picture in colour, not cropped so close and darkened the background. I don't know if posting again in this thread is against the rules so I apologise in advance if it is!

[lputman]

I'm not a fan of the shot overall either. The background has been darkened too much to the point it looks like the face was pasted onto it. I don't particularly care for the eye looking completely sideways like that either. I in agreement with it being re-shot.