Just finished retouching photos from an earlier shoot with model Tyler Snider

All in all, I think we both had a great time during the shoot—Tyler brought a portable speaker, and the whole time we were shooting with music playing in the background. A (pleasant) first for me.

In the end, we decided to do a set in color, and a set in black-and-white. It's interesting to see how by taking away color it immediately gives the image a different vibe. I amped-up the saturation in the color set, a bit more so than my usual setting, thought it highlights his feature (his eyes) and certain wardrobe choice rather nicely. But did I go overboard?

The shoot was done in natural light, with a small lens-mount light reflector, post touch-ups in Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. Love to hear what you think about the composition, model direction and overall quality!

Black & White










Color

Amping up the color saturation doesn't work for me.  I find it distracting.  (could be my monitor's calibration). 
The model , composition and direction look fine.

First photo of set is the best of the lot, I would raise the crop at the bottom of the photo, the idea would be to get rid of the black at bottom of photo [Models top of leg?] and to remove bare skin from area of models right inside elbow area.

For me the first of the color images is the best, the others just look like the color is too saturated especially in area of models cheeks.

I wish you well

Your images are lovely and precise.

The first four images in black and white are superb. I love the processing and poses, and I specially like the 2nd shot. Has a very "old school cool" look to it that is fantastic.

I agree with the previous poster who said that the color saturation is too heavy on the last set of images. It's especially noticeable to me on the two images where you are wearing the budweiser tank top. The overly orange flesh tones distract from what would otherwise be more compelling images. The last image as well has issues with over color saturation on your face. A more subdued color tone on your face (like the flesh tones on your arm in that same shot) would greatly reduce the color distraction.

That said, these are all extremely well done shots, and a nice variety for your portfolio. Nice work!

Ok so here's what I have to say...

NUMBER 1
Stunning.  That's all.

NUMBER 2
Stunning yet again.

NUMBER 3
I'm not a fan because I don't think that pose really flatters his body type (chest area loses a lot of definition, goes flat).  Also, in my mind, I would like to see him a bit more toned.

NUMBER 4
Same issue as 3

NUMBER 5
Great.  Like the colors here.

NUMBER 6
He's way too yellow and the shirt is distracting to me.

NUMBER 7
Same issue.  The shirt is less distracting BUT he's very yellow.

NUMBER 8
Really nice.

Out of all of them I would say my favorites are 1 and 2.  For the colors I would just watch the colors.  Like there is a huge difference between 5 and 8 (great colors) when compared to 6 and 7.  Hope this helps.  Great job overall though.

I generally like the shots. The only thing I would say to be careful about it how much you brighten the eye whites. There is a fine line between having them look like they are reflecting light nicely and having them look like somehow they are emitting light. Also keep in mind that they are round so there is an ever so slight falloff you have to account for.

Once again, thanks for all the feedback and encouragement! The forum has really helped me grow as a photographer, bit by bit.

Definitely noted about the overly-saturated color on the color set—will dial it down once I revisit these photos.

Paul Tirado Photography wrote:
be careful about it how much you brighten the eye whites.

Thanks for pointing it out! Will pay more attention to how I treat them.

The B&W  or top notch!