Those are some nice looking shots. I'm not sure if it is intentional that the tops of the heads are close to (or merging with) the top of the frame. Some people may think it is accidental (perhaps it is) but I could easily see a purpose for it. To me, it imparts a feeling of closeness to the model. I also like the horizontal framing and the negative space, which adds immensely to the mood, and a sense of tension with the off-center subject.
The shallow depth of field is interesting in that the back shoulder and hair of each model slightly blur with the background. This is more obvious in the second one, where one edge of the model is sharply defined and the other is soft. The background light is also effective in adding a bit of drama around each figure.
To be honest, if you were a friend of mine and sitting here next to me, I'd use a lot of curse words to affectionately tell you how ridiculous that first picture looks in context to your words, "new to portraits." You didn't ask for c&c and I don't give it unless it's asked for, but I can say you're off to a great start.
The first one is the best in my opinion. My only critique is that I would like to see the two hot spots on the top of her head cropped out, or done away with. Please take that as a critique and not a complaint.
Great work.
I really appreciate the feedback. I'd definitely like to go out and do some out door photographers with the Sigma 50 1.4 ART and a HSS Flash. I want to experiment more and the two shots above were taken at an expo.
supermarvin76 .. i think i agree with you on the hot spots on top of Abbi's head getting rid of those would make the image look better. Thank you!
Feb 07, 2017 at 08:07 PM
Andre Labonte Offline • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
friscoron wrote:
To be honest, if you were a friend of mine and sitting here next to me, I'd use a lot of curse words to affectionately tell you how ridiculous that first picture looks in context to your words, "new to portraits." You didn't ask for c&c and I don't give it unless it's asked for, but I can say you're off to a great start.
I was thinking the same thing ... I think Alex has the hang of it.
I agree with eleganteye regarding the tight composition with the top of the models' heads.
I'm not sure if the color cast is intentional or not, but to me, both images have a strong color cast indicating potential WB issue. The first image appears to have a strong olive cast, and the second image has a magenta/pink cast. Neither model's skin tones look natural.
Lighting looks pretty good in both except for the slight highlights on the bridge of their noses.
Nice captures. I like #1 best. The catch lights suggest that your using a horizontal strip down low for a main light. That's not very conventional but the results look good.
film_4ever wrote:
I agree with eleganteye regarding the tight composition with the top of the models' heads.
I'm not sure if the color cast is intentional or not, but to me, both images have a strong color cast indicating potential WB issue. The first image appears to have a strong olive cast, and the second image has a magenta/pink cast. Neither model's skin tones look natural.
Lighting looks pretty good in both except for the slight highlights on the bridge of their noses.
Thanks for sharing.
I been trying to mess with color grading images reason these have different type of appearances.
I am still fairly new to portraits just learning my way around.
anchorout wrote:
Nice captures. I like #1 best. The catch lights suggest that your using a horizontal strip down low for a main light. That's not very conventional but the results look good.
Thank you.
Lighting was at the top and below there was a half circle reflector to get rid of the harsh shadows under the chin.
I don't do many people portraits (mainly pets), but I would be very happy with either of these. After reading some of the above comments, I can see what I overlook when reviewing photos like these, but it doesn't change how much I like both. Well done.
These are really well lit and exposed. I just want to smack you with your "new to portraits" title because it took me forever to be close to this good. :-)
I agree about the WB. Not sure if it was intentional but 1st shot leans to green and second magenta.
