Forums > Critique > Serious Critique > New to MM and to Portrait work

Photographer

Tim Tattersall

Posts: 1

Gainesville, Florida, US

Please let me know what you think of my work.  I have been a wildlife and nature photographer for the past 5 years and I am now focusing on portraits.   I can take some heat, but don't burn too much.

Nov 27 19 08:34 pm Link

Photographer

Kris Krieg

Posts: 1341

Missoula, Montana, US

You are getting some good golden hour light with this series.
https://photos.modelmayhem.com/photos/191127/16/5ddf11aed355b_m.jpg

Compare that photo to this shot:
https://photos.modelmayhem.com/photos/191127/16/5ddf117d134d5_m.jpg

Your sun is just a little too direct without using a diffuser or fill. Look at the hard shadow on her nose. See how the shadow emphasizes her nose whereas the first photo doesn't?

It appears you are using natural light for most of your work. This is fine, but practice with some reflectors. For example, in this shot, the sunlight behind her is washing out the detail in her hair. Overall, the lighting is natural, but a reflector (or stronger/closer reflector) on her face and figure would add emphasis to her and less on the vibrant background colors.
https://photos.modelmayhem.com/photos/191127/16/5ddf1158ba316_m.jpg

Looks like you are using an off camera flash like a Speedlight for this shot. Speedlights have a direct flash, which isn't very flattering. Think about a soft box attachment to a Speedlight or invest in some cheap studio strobes.
https://photos.modelmayhem.com/photos/191127/17/5ddf1cfa5dacd_m.jpg

It appears to me you are using a small soft box for this photo, looks good. Good catchlights in her eyes. The soft box might be just a smidge bigger. I would take out the stray hairs around her face. Maybe make her neck just a little darker, just a little too much light. Keep in mind that the brightest parts of a photo will get the viewer's attention.
https://photos.modelmayhem.com/photos/191127/18/5ddf37736c597_m.jpg

You are doing fine. Keep practicing and learning more. 👍🏼

Dec 09 19 11:15 pm Link