E.L.. Shapiro wrote:
No doubt, the exposures, flash fill ratio and background treatment is excellent as well as the expressions.
What needs improvement as per technique, is the posing. Of course theses are casual portraits in an out of doors setting, however, some of the same principles of more formal portraiture can still be applied without creating a stilted or overly formal effect.
Just a few tips in this direction. Try to avoid straight on shots with the subject's the head and should at exactly at the same angle to the camera. The shoulders needn't be at exactly 45 ° with the head kind of twisted toward the camera but more of a “contra” pose is more graceful and flattering. Even in a ¾ or head and shoulders shot, the pose starts at the feet and legs. The subject's stance is important- if the leg and foot nearest the camera is extended toward the camera with the knee bent and the weigh is placid on the far hip, all the body mechanics fall into place and the subject can easily pivot in whatever direction you require. Posture is important as well. When the spine is at full extension the torso and shoulders assume a good carriage- in other words- no slouching! Believe it not- when the posture is erect, but relaxed, it is more comfortable for the subject and he or she can a pose for a longer time if required.The result will look perfectly natural.
Lighting- The sun is a good light source if you can move the subject into a good “portrait lighting”. In theses shots, the sun was probably directly or nearly overhead so you did achieve a “butterfly” lighting, however this widens the face and nose. The high angle of incidence has not lighted the eyes enough to produce rich detail and provide catch-lights. Usually later in the day, the angle of the sun can enable more of a modified butterfly or loop lighting or a kind of Rembrandt form. Another method is to seek out shade and more precisely control the indirect sunlight with a reflector or off camera flash.
Cropping- It is best not to crop whereby you cut into limbs or hands. Graceful placement of arms and hands make for better composition as will and direct the viewers' eye to the subject's face.
I hope this helps.
No doubt, the exposures, flash fill ratio and back... (
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I like all of the pics here, however th second seems to be my favorite. The lighting is, to me the best, while the shadows create a wonderful feeling of depth(?).
However, in my very limited understanding if portraiture I thought it was advantageous, or excepted that the subjects very top of the head be cut off. I guess I am wondering if that idea has changed.