Forums > Critique > A few basic portrait photos

Photographer

NickReynolds

Posts: 7

Grand Rapids, Michigan, US

Any feedback on my portraits would be greatly appreciated.

Aug 14 21 11:19 pm Link

Photographer

Fleming Design

Posts: 1380

East Hartford, Connecticut, US

Nick,
Here are a few suggestions.  Find a way to soften your light source so you can change that when it suits your purpose.  You have shots done against a wrinkled sheet that appears yellowish in some shots and greenish or blue in others.  Work on getting your color temp right.  Maybe add another light to separate your subject from the black background.  Keep shooting and learning!

Aug 15 21 05:30 am Link

Photographer

NickReynolds

Posts: 7

Grand Rapids, Michigan, US

Thank you. I'll admit, there are times when I like the gritty feel that the wrinkled background and the spot curve editing creates, but you're absolutely right that I should be learning the fundamentals of lighting and color before I get too experimental. Thank you for your response.

Aug 15 21 02:14 pm Link

Photographer

Lee_Photography

Posts: 9863

Minneapolis, Minnesota, US

Here are some of my first impressions as I view some of your images.

https://photos.modelmayhem.com/photos/210731/19/610609037778f_m.jpg
Looks like he is searching for UFO’s
[Image lacks connection with viewer]

https://photos.modelmayhem.com/photos/210731/19/6106090f34463_m.jpg
Better connection with viewer
Cropping right side of image off at edge of tee-shirt will eliminate what is referred to as a “gutter” it allows the viewers eyes to wander off the image
[Home work: make a print of the image, use some pages of paper to crop the image to see what works best]

https://photos.modelmayhem.com/photos/210731/19/6106091aba92e_m.jpg
Tighter crop right and left side of photo
Model has good connection with viewer

https://photos.modelmayhem.com/photos/210731/19/61060932e6f65_m.jpg
Crop right side of photo
This image works well

https://photos.modelmayhem.com/photos/210731/19/61060949e3a4a_m.jpg
For me subject is too close to right photo border

https://photos.modelmayhem.com/photos/210814/20/61188aed27581_m.jpg
Move the subject away from the background so it can be placed out of focus
The two little dots of light in models eyes look like you are using on camera flash
Seems like the background is in better focus then the model
Crop part of photo top off to just above her head

Try thinking about using rim or back light to help separate model from background

Move the lighting closer to the model, so it’s about the same distance as the camera from model

I wish you well

Aug 18 21 08:34 am Link

Photographer

NickReynolds

Posts: 7

Grand Rapids, Michigan, US

Thank you! Very practical and technical critique that I can work with!

Aug 21 21 10:17 am Link