We were doing some environmental portraits with and without flash (reflective umbrella). Many people don't like them. Please, help me understand what I am doing wrong and how these pictures can be improved. Many thanks for any constructive critiques!
So many times I’m told by other photographers that “you are almost there” when I ask for critiques. I think that is the case for these photos as well. They aren’t bad. But just a few little changes could make them great. I’m the second photo her expression is perfect but her arm on top of the log is blown out- so the eye goes right to that and misses her pretty face. The highlights on her fingers as well draw from her. The highlight on her hair is good but might be just a tad too bright but that may be a matter of personal taste. In the photos where the girl is leaning on her hand with elbow against trees etc- for some reason this pose doesn’t suit her. I’m not sure how to repose her but I think this one for her just falls short. In the last photo her lips appear kind of dry- she’s probably a knock out with out makeup but for the sake of a portrait some facial editing may have helped put a little color and life into her expression. Nothing major- just a little clean up on her lip where it looks chapped/dry and some dodge and burn to give her lips just a slight hint of color/life. I think you are on to something and almost there! But like I said- these are not bad photos.
Thank you so much!
One more shot from that "second" set.
Not sure if these can really be called environmental portraits since they are basically head and shoulder shots, with the exception of 5th one.
The poses seem too contrived, posy to me.
The poses look too similar.
There's too much tree on the 3rd and 4th images.
I noticed you seem to prefer to shoot horizontal. Try doing some vertical.
Maybe try having them act/pose more natural.
Thanks!
In my opinion, the secret to successful portraits is lighting, posing & composition. The other secret is called previsualization. This mean to see the image in your head, before you raise the camera to your eyes. I believe one has to have a concept on paper or somewhere in order to achieve a successful shoot. One can attempt to wing it or play it by ear. In my opinion, it is better to be prepared than not. In my opinion, you had the idea/concept about what you wanted to accomplish. For the most part, you did. The lighting is good. It is the body & hand positioning that needs work. In the first image. the young woman's arm is positioned too high while her face is tilted slightly upwards. This looks awkward. In the second image, once again, the arm positioning is slightly higher. The head position is better. I like the way the woman's hair falls over the right shoulder. The third image requires a lot more work. The fourth image is better. The hand looks like it is glued to her head. the last images are ok. They just require a bit more fine tuning. There is an old saying " practice makes perfect ' The only way to improve your technique is to keep shooting. I would also suggest that you look at some images from other artists. This site might also have some articles on portrait photography. Thank you for sharing these images. Keep shooting & best wishes to you.
Wow! Many thanks for THAT much of feedback! I will keep shooting and learning new things.
I have had the opportunity to manage a small portrait studio outside Boston, Ma. It was a lot of fun. Photography has and always will be my passion.