I think these are really quite nice overall, but I would pay particular attention to her head position as it relates to the light direction. There are a couple of images where her head is decidedly down and it seems that by raising it, the overhead light in the library would be far more flattering to her face. You can see how the light draws her face in the image where she's looking up is so pretty and the shot sitting in the chair is also quite nice in how the light is working with her.
Peter Figen wrote:
I think these are really quite nice overall, but I would pay particular attention to her head position as it relates to the light direction. There are a couple of images where her head is decidedly down and it seems that by raising it, the overhead light in the library would be far more flattering to her face. You can see how the light draws her face in the image where she's looking up is so pretty and the shot sitting in the chair is also quite nice in how the light is working with her.
You are so right. The difference in the shots is the judicious use of a properly bounced speed light to which I am starting to explore more.
Really nice light in a unique photographic setting.
Rarely is a "cut and paste" facial expression ideal in a set; and that is the case here. Pose and location variety is nice, but the lack of variety in her face is a reflection of the photographer's lack of direction, IMO
gheller wrote:
Really nice light in a unique photographic setting.
Rarely is a "cut and paste" facial expression ideal in a set; and that is the case here. Pose and location variety is nice, but the lack of variety in her face is a reflection of the photographer's lack of direction, IMO
G
If you only knew how hard I try to make her smile! She has an amazing smile but most of the time insists on the serious look. It is who she is and since the pictures are for her I try not to force my will upon her. I have been doing her pictures for a couple years now that just doesn’t change.
Here are a couple from the same day in different contexts where she turned on the charm.
I enjoy the second and the last image of the first set, the one of her sitting. I am not much a fan of smiling portraits although the first one of the second set is a sweet portrait.
I think you have done a nice job featuring this young woman inside when your perhaps prefered outdoors setting is not possible. My issue is that the images seem contrived. I don't see a connection between her and the library setting. She is model perfect. Hair exquisitely styled. Perfect curls ideally placed by her face falling just so down her shoulders. If you had a studio, she would look fantastic with studio lighting and simple backdrops. But, I don't know why she is in the library. I think a more casual appearance, like a more typical college student, would work better. Posed so she doesn't look like she is posing--getting a candid feel. Perhaps more depth of field to give a greater sense of reality. I do like the first of the second set quite a bit. The strong backlighting adds nice pop and contrast to the shot. It blows out and features less controlled areas of hair. She seems relaxed. More of a candid feel. The background is simpler and more neutral than the previous shots. I think she shows a bit of attitude in the first of the first set. There is a good deal more detail in the nearby books with the more blurred aspects more distant, framing her instead of separating her from the scene.
Brev00 wrote:
I think you have done a nice job featuring this young woman inside when your perhaps prefered outdoors setting is not possible. My issue is that the images seem contrived. I don't see a connection between her and the library setting. She is model perfect. Hair exquisitely styled. Perfect curls ideally placed by her face falling just so down her shoulders. If you had a studio, she would look fantastic with studio lighting and simple backdrops. But, I don't know why she is in the library. I think a more casual appearance, like a more typical college student, would work better. Posed so she doesn't look like she is posing--getting a candid feel. Perhaps more depth of field to give a greater sense of reality. I do like the first of the second set quite a bit. The strong backlighting adds nice pop and contrast to the shot. It blows out and features less controlled areas of hair. She seems relaxed. More of a candid feel. The background is simpler and more neutral than the previous shots. I think she shows a bit of attitude in the first of the first set. There is a good deal more detail in the nearby books with the more blurred aspects more distant, framing her instead of separating her from the scene. ...Show more →
Ya, I can see how it comes off as “contrived”. Thematically, it was very purposeful as she is a good student and has spent most of the past 4 years studying to get good grades so she wanted some in the library and she actually chose that outfit specifically with a classic argyle, old school college look in mind. I do appreciate your thoughts on doing a better job of staging the shots.
Settings(places) where your lighting competes with a proper exposure are indeed challenging. I think you did a great job. A lovely lady also competes for the light.
Brev00 has a great point, Smouse. As a great student, wouldn't a great story be her studiously perusing a book, glasses down her nose? Casually unaware of the camera. Or looking for a book on a higher shelf, taking advantage of that bounce speedlight from the ceiling!!
Tell a story. Don't just pose.
Not to sound too much like an old man with fantasies, but what's hotter than a beautiful bookworm in the library!! I know during my college and graduate years, it was certainly was a story I could never get enough of!! That, and warm days & sun dresses!! ;-)
