1st Attempt at Portraiture
Feb 28, 2012 03:12:21 #
A couple of months ago, I did some portraits of some close friends. Neither they nor I are experts, but they were delighted with the prints.
As I hang out on UHH, I have learned a lot, even since then. I now know that my lighting wasn't set up correctly, for one thing.
Also, the lady in the photos has some very challenging skin problems, and asked me to do my best to try to make her look as good as I can.
I may have over done the PP on her, but I was trying to please her, and I did.
Still I know I can probably do better next time. However, beyond my own critique, I would love to hear what the good folks on UHH think. Please free to pick them apart, make changes, or tell me what else I'm missing to help me improve, or should I give up and just find another hobby.
Thanks,
Dave
As I hang out on UHH, I have learned a lot, even since then. I now know that my lighting wasn't set up correctly, for one thing.
Also, the lady in the photos has some very challenging skin problems, and asked me to do my best to try to make her look as good as I can.
I may have over done the PP on her, but I was trying to please her, and I did.
Still I know I can probably do better next time. However, beyond my own critique, I would love to hear what the good folks on UHH think. Please free to pick them apart, make changes, or tell me what else I'm missing to help me improve, or should I give up and just find another hobby.
Thanks,
Dave
Feb 28, 2012 03:34:43 #
For some reason, the 3rd one looks a bit dull compared to how it looks in my computer. Not sure why. All 3 seemed about the same in contrast, brightness, etc. but not so after posting. I've heard that some other people have had similar issues.
Feb 28, 2012 07:08:23 #
I'll comment on the first one to keep it simple.
The lighting is flat....sort of "one dimensional" It's not horrible, but it's flat...or boring.
Usually "side lighting" is more pleasing in that it shows depth..
From looking at it I'm not sure how you lit her but there is no "ratio" if that makes sense, both sides of her are identical as far as light and shadow.
The second thing is that her hair is fading into the background; it needs a light pointing from the back to forward on the back of her head as a "hair light" to make that "ring" around heads that you see on black backgrounds where people have dark hair.
also...it's definitely soft. The eyes have to be sharp..as sharp as you can get them...
Don't feel discouraged...just go to Youtube and search "portrait lighting" and you'll get a lot of good info.
Also, there is a good book by Wayne Radford called "Natural light Portraiture" in PDF form that's really really good for this stuff.
check it out and shoot some more and post your results!
The lighting is flat....sort of "one dimensional" It's not horrible, but it's flat...or boring.
Usually "side lighting" is more pleasing in that it shows depth..
From looking at it I'm not sure how you lit her but there is no "ratio" if that makes sense, both sides of her are identical as far as light and shadow.
The second thing is that her hair is fading into the background; it needs a light pointing from the back to forward on the back of her head as a "hair light" to make that "ring" around heads that you see on black backgrounds where people have dark hair.
also...it's definitely soft. The eyes have to be sharp..as sharp as you can get them...
Don't feel discouraged...just go to Youtube and search "portrait lighting" and you'll get a lot of good info.
Also, there is a good book by Wayne Radford called "Natural light Portraiture" in PDF form that's really really good for this stuff.
check it out and shoot some more and post your results!
Feb 28, 2012 07:28:32 #
I think for your first try, you did good. You have to start some where to make the mistakes so you can move up the ladder. Very good shots for the first time. You have the settings right. Now you have to work on the lighting.
Erv
Erv
Feb 28, 2012 07:29:46 #
Erv wrote:
I think for your first try, you did good. You have to start some where to make the mistakes so you can move up the ladder. Very good shots for the first time. You have the settings right. Now you have to work on the lighting.
Erv
Erv
Agreed.
Don't take my comments too hard. It's MUCH easier to see what you SHOULD have done after the fact....I've done this about 3 times now...
Shoot some portraits...find out what's wrong
Shoot another round....find out what's wrong....
And so on.. :)
Feb 28, 2012 12:10:20 #
rpavich wrote:
quote=Erv I think for your first try, you did goo... (show quote)
Thanks guys for the encouragement. Rpavich, your critique is right on. My lighting was set up wrong. I did not have anything I could use as a hair light at the time. I used 2 umbrellas and a flash. The umbrellas were not properly positioned, thus the light was indeed flat. I now have a speedlite and a slave flash and I have read tons of stuff on lighting since I did these photos. The room that I used is in my basement and we are almost done now fixing it up, which is why I invited that guy who paints his camera, lenses, tripod and everything else. lol We could have used his help. Tomorrow the carpet is coming. After that, I can get down there again to play with my camera instead of paint brushes, nail guns, putty knives and that stuff.
Again thanks for a great critique.
Feb 28, 2012 12:21:35 #
Quickflash wrote:
quote=rpavich quote=Erv I think for your first t... (show quote)
My advice is to surf the Strobist...and go through the lighting 101 course.
www.strobist.blogspot.com
Feb 28, 2012 13:04:41 #
Feb 29, 2012 06:53:39 #
Foe brunettes, use a white background. Black is used for blondes. Use a rim light set behind her and to her left to add highlights to her hair.
Feb 29, 2012 08:02:46 #
I agree that I needed a better way to separate her hair from the background. Originally, I was planning to use a light background, but because of the way she was dressed, I thought the black would be better. The rim light, I think would have done the trick.
They are good friends, and we will try again soon. I appreciate your opinions and thanks.
I lived in the Ft. Lauderdale area for about 30 years, but wondered where is Shalimar?
They are good friends, and we will try again soon. I appreciate your opinions and thanks.
I lived in the Ft. Lauderdale area for about 30 years, but wondered where is Shalimar?
Feb 29, 2012 10:11:31 #
Feb 29, 2012 11:27:30 #
Feb 29, 2012 11:32:18 #
Feb 29, 2012 19:49:28 #
Try using Rembrandt lighting with a reflector. Cropped a little too tight. The eyes need to be in sharp focus. In the 3rd image, put him a little higher than her. His mouth should be about even with her eyes. And when photographing couples,shoot vertical. Don't give up, take this hobby to the next level. Your first shots were better than mine. I learned a lot of technical stuff at the local community college. Almost went pro 20 years ago but chickened out.
Mar 1, 2012 07:38:46 #
Robertperry, thank you for your critique. I think these are excellent suggestions. I have so much to learn!!!
I have a better lens now, better lighting, a reflector, and most importantly, a lot more knowledge thanks to you and everyone else on UHH. I still have a long way to go, just to reach the level of amateur! Is there such a thing as a pre-amateur?
I am enjoying the challenge and the fun of playing photographer. I am lucky to have good friends who indulge and encourage me, so I'll keep trying.
I have a better lens now, better lighting, a reflector, and most importantly, a lot more knowledge thanks to you and everyone else on UHH. I still have a long way to go, just to reach the level of amateur! Is there such a thing as a pre-amateur?
I am enjoying the challenge and the fun of playing photographer. I am lucky to have good friends who indulge and encourage me, so I'll keep trying.
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