Lee_Photography wrote:

I would like to see more light in her eyes, and to have the eyes in sharper focus
The green out of focus thing in fore front of photo is distracting


With less tilt in her head and more light in eyes this would be awesome
[You can try using a reflector to illuminate her eyes next time]
Also a tighter crop photo right


You have the model going in two directions
Body is facing photo left, while eyes are looking to photo right
Models hair by her right eye has lost all detail


Hair at top of models head loss of detail
If you show the elbow works best to include hands
A tighter crop overall


Motion blur in models hand
Loss of detail in hair

You have a nice look to your images

Wish you well

Thank you very much for the comments. So some of the bigger issues are softness, loss of detail, not getting enough light into the eyes, is that right? What are some of the best ways to overcome these obstacles?

Thanks again!

Travis Alex Photo wrote:
Biggest critique for your port.

Watch your lighting and editing.

Buy yourself a reflector, they are cheap, and extremely useful. It will give some fill and correct the darkness under the eyes.

Also, be aware of what time of day your are shooting.

The softness thing is very outdated and is usually hiding flaws.

Keep pushing. You'll get there.

Thank you Travis. I'll definitely invest in the reflector. As far as time of day for the shoots, what do feel is optimal? I'm wondering if some of the softness is a result of my editing. I guess I need to get more familiar with  how to keep the image crisp without looking harsh. Any tips?

Lallure Photographic wrote:
My best way to help you,, is to tell you the truth. You need training. Whether you get that by going to a school, or attending training through professional sources, in your state, or at the national level, or whether you take training by attending some of the better workshops in the country, or even if you get it by working as an assistant, for a good photographer...........you are in need of training.

^^This^^

Lallure Photographic wrote:
My best way to help you,, is to tell you the truth. You need training. Whether you get that by going to a school, or attending training through professional sources, in your state, or at the national level, or whether you take training by attending some of the better workshops in the country, or even if you get it by working as an assistant, for a good photographer...........you are in need of training.

You are not going to improve a lot, until you get more training, and I suspect, a lot more equipment.

Thank you for the honest input. I'll definitely do that. I think that assisting a more experienced photographer and taking a class or two would be a good beginning.

Cherrystone wrote:

^^This^^

^^ Thank you ^^

Don Garrett wrote:
I belonged to the Photo Naturalists Club, here in the San Diego area. It was free education, and they had image critiques, done by someone certified as "a judge", every meeting. This was about 25 years ago, but the building is still there, and is still called "The Photographic Building", (or something like that). If there is such a club, and competitions in your area, I would attend them to get a free education on photographic techniques..
-Don

Thank you Don. I'll see what I can find and keep plugging away.

Blimey Studios wrote:
Vignetting is too heavy here:


Otherwise I like it.

As mentioned, you need to light the eyes better by using  reflector or a fill flash (20% - 30% fill)

If you don't use a light meter, read and learn about Ansel Adams Zone system.

hope this helps a bit. Keep shooting and learning lots

I'll definitely keep at it. I'm really just beginning to learn that I have a LOT to learn. I appreciate that you gave me something definitive to look into. That's something I can start on today.

Cheers!

Images by MR wrote:
I don't understand why someone claiming to be experienced wants to use a blurry & poorly exposed image to represent themselves.

Fair enough. Thank you.

DCurtis wrote:
I would just add -

I think doing outdoor photos well are more difficult than in studio or indoors. Maybe practice working indoors where you can better control the light. Start with one light, play around, experiment.

That's helpful. Thank you.

Gary Winterholler wrote:

Thank you very much for the comments. So some of the bigger issues are softness, loss of detail, not getting enough light into the eyes, is that right? What are some of the best ways to overcome these obstacles?

Thanks again!

The fastest way is to find a photographer in your area that can meet with you a few times, and give you some hands on tips.
When you focus on the model are you focusing on the models eyes?
Are you using a fast enough shutter speed, if shooting with a 100mm lens you want the shutter speed to be at least 1/125 of a second
Shooting in open shade, using a scrim between model and sun [Scrim- just some cloth on a frame like a reflector] and using fill flash and or a reflector or both

Lee_Photography wrote:

The fastest way is to find a photographer in your area that can meet with you a few times, and give you some hands on tips.
When you focus on the model are you focusing on the models eyes?
Are you using a fast enough shutter speed, if shooting with a 100mm lens you want the shutter speed to be at least 1/125 of a second
Shooting in open shade, using a scrim between model and sun [Scrim- just some cloth on a frame like a reflector] and using fill flash and or a reflector or both

I truly appreciate this constructive input. I am researching photographers in my area and will see if they'll let me carry their bags for a while. I think you're right, it's definitely the best way to learn more and improve.

Thanks again!