What’s Your Preference?

RPG Master · #1 (**permalink**) 06-14-2009, 06:00 PM

So last weak my friend asked me to take her Senior Portraits for her...

More can be found in the set: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rpgmast...7619582229556/

I think they turned out pretty good

Would anyone like to critique them for me?

autofocus · #2 (**permalink**) 06-14-2009, 06:17 PM

First of all, very impressive to be thinking about doing this at the ripe young age of 15! My hats off to you. Now for a few hints to consider:
1) try to avoid mid day/overhead light for your portraits. It's very harsh lighting and probably the worst for this type of work. Consider late afternoon or early morning for more flattering light. Consider using a little fill flash to help fill in the shadows.
2) Watch your backgrounds for unwanted clutter. Very often, one or two steps in either direction will solve that problem. Learn to look past your subject in the view finder.

All that said, welcome to DPS, and keep at it...you're working towards being a great photographer some day

Vince

idcrewdawg · #3 (**permalink**) 06-14-2009, 06:18 PM

I think the second one is pretty good. She is looking at the camera, and well lit, except the face. It is under exposed. I would try using some sort of reflector or something to lighten up the face.

The first one, though pretty, I don't personally like as a senior portrait for putting into an annual. If it's just one to use as picture by its self in a frame, then of the two, the first one I believe is better. However, the background is cluttered with cars and such, that detracts from the overall picture.

For being 15, your doing pretty good! Keep up the good work!!

After I posted, I went through the set, and of all the ones there, this one I thought was the best composed, as well as lit, save for one mistake. It's just slightly out of focus.

RPG Master · #4 (**permalink**) 06-14-2009, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by auto-focus

1) try to avoid mid day/overhead light for your portraits. It's very harsh lighting and probably the worst for this type of work. Consider late afternoon or early morning for more flattering light. Consider using a little fill flash to help fill in the shadows.
2) Watch your backgrounds for unwanted clutter. Very often, one or two steps in either direction will solve that problem. Learn to look past your subject in the view finder.

1. Its kinda hard to pick a specific time of the day to do these things when you're relying on your mom for transportation

And I did use fill flash... But I only have my Sony a200's wimpy built in flash

2. I did keep that in mind during all of this... but in that case shifting either way would have added more distractions to the picture

Quote:

Originally Posted by idcrewdawg

The first one, though pretty, I don't personally like as a senior portrait for putting into an annual.

Well, these pictures aren't for a yearbook because we're both home schooled.

RPG Master · #5 (**permalink**) 06-14-2009, 10:04 PM

And I don't usually mention my age. I just thought it would make people more interested in checking this thread out...

FoG · #6 (**permalink**) 06-14-2009, 10:06 PM

Nice shots well done I would say liste to the advice given as they will improve your already very good work .. nice job hope she liked the shots you took

RPG Master · #7 (**permalink**) 06-14-2009, 11:58 PM

Her, her mom and her dad all love the pictures

xbugletx · #8 (**permalink**) 06-15-2009, 01:53 AM

gorgeous dress! good composition. i am like you but only 17 with many wishes to becoming a photographer. you can check out my shots if you would like, but watch out for distracting backgrounds with cars and traffic and stuff. like in your first shot. and in your second shot its very good, but im not sure what the wooden thing is in the background. you want people thinking about the person not wondering whats in the back ground. think of your background before ever shooting the picture. see whats going on and have a not so busy background. just try different angles, and see what works best. go out and explore. have some fun and trespass! haha fine new places! as do i. so keep in contact and ill be sure to help you out!

angeleyes216 · #9 (**permalink**) 06-15-2009, 02:30 AM

As this is not the critique forum i will simply say you did a nice job and you should be proud. The fact that the parents were happy says a lot. Every time you take a photo you will see things you wish you had done different and thats how we learn and grow.
Check out other peoples sites for ideas and just keep that camera with you so you dont miss a photo opportunity. You are still young and have a lot of time to improve or even take some classes.