Hello everyone, I just recently was asked to do a senior portrait shoot by a co-worker. I have never worked with people before, I usually only do Wildlife and Sports photography. I dont really have the ideal gear at the moment to take great portrait photographs, but I did the best i could with what I had to work with. All CC is very much welcome and appreciated as i would like to improve.
Sony A9
FE 24-105 F4
100MM, F4, 1/125SS, 50 ISO. Natural Light Only.
I think your first photo is an example of great portraiture. The second photo has a few things I would avoid: 1) profile on this model (and on most people) isn't flattering, 2) the lighting is flat - all fill, no key + fill dynamic going on there, and 3) her knee isn't doing her any favors in the second photo. It is straight, causing it to look a little awkward, and it draws a little more attention to itself than it should.
Great first attempt, especially if you have more like the first photo! It has a great smile, light eyes, good skin tones, just enough shadows and back light on the hair, in addition to good framing.
Both of these are, I believe, a very good start. The following are simply observations based on my personal preferences.
Photo number one: Great pose, generally very good lighting. I think the model needs to be filled in more; either a fill flash or reflector, or brought up in post. Also, I think that the crop should have either been brought up from the bottom more (above the elbows) or down to include the hands. Again, this is just my personal taste, I try to avoid crops that cut off at joints; like the wrists in this one.
Photo number two: Man, this is an awesome model. As pointed out by James, the lighting is quite flat and the whole thing is lacking in contrast. Granted, that can work, but I don't think it does in this shot. Also as pointed out before, the profile is not flattering for the model. I'm assuming she's not an experienced model which is fine. One thing that may have worked is to simply have had her stand with her right hip almost directly toward the camera, weight on her left leg like she has it, and then turning at the waist so that the torso and face are mostly facing the camera.
Again, on this photo I see personal observations regarding the crop. I would have cropped it about half way between the knee and hemline.
Also, generally, and again a personal view. I like to get down to the subject's level; especially women. It looks like you're shooting slightly down on her. If that is the case, try experimenting with bending your knees a bit to get down to her level, or even a bit below it. But, like I said, that's a personal thing.
I also want to point out that the skin tones are great.
This is definitely a very good start. Hopefully the model is someone that you can use some more and experiment with.