The last is most representative of the title and my favorite - otherwise I am confused. The young lady is 'lost' in the first four and IMO they do not reflect "senior" pictures but then I do not attempt them either..
Other observations: 1 and 4 are not vertical - rotate slightly ccw. #2 the globe detracts from the subject's face; the mixed light from her sunglasses (on the cheek) is not flattering.
The strand of lights and cording around the doorway and window distract.
#1, I think tighter would be better, and better yet were she looking into the lens - the pensive look does not work for me here. Don't know about the crop.
I like the saturation and color - rich but not harsh. Not familiar with that lens but at 70mm it might be a bit soft? Perhaps the location was too close quarters and did not permit zooming slightly.
I know very little about lighting but perhaps a reflector would benefit #'s 1, 2, and 3?
rennocneb wrote:
thank you for the critique. I am hoping to possibly add a second light soon. This was the first trip out with the new light softbox and stuff.
Well you are years ahead of me there
I do like the softness and rich color. I am forever fighting hot-spots with OC flash.
The good: exposure is good and the colours vibrant.
The bad: the posing, or lack of it, is an issue. Find some time to study poses and what works for various shapes of person. Don't be afraid to direct!
The colour palette is muddled, which isn't helping create a unity in the image.
Getting the colours to work together will really help.
The only images that work for me to any degree are the second and the last one.
The second one needs work on the pose and the clash between the purple in the shades and the orange in the skirt is jarring for me.
The last one is let down by some seriously overenthusiastic processing!
The archway shots could do with more dramatic lighting and probably a change in angle to really make them worthwhile. They are very flat in feel.
These are a step above snapshots, but not of a professional 'paying' standard. Not by a long way.
They are however a good stepping stone and show some awareness of what is required. Hopefully you'll be quite embarrassed by them in six months time! (Is that too harsh?)
My constructive criticism is that there needs to be a lot of good research and practice to improve your photography.
my response to that would be i think it depends on what level we are at here. if someone is paying 5 grand for a senoir photo package by all means they should expect more. Secondly how do you suggest controlling the outfits, since here it is the norm for the student to bring with them what they wish to wear.
Call me old fashioned, I have trouble with some of my grandkid School pics too. The last one is the only one that works for me as a senior picture. Leaving aside the technical stuff which I am not qualified to address, its the pose.
As the recipient, I want to see the subjects face and not much elses. This is the photo that will still be looked at in 50 years. What will you want to recall?
