WendyGraber

I love portrait photography and would love to learn how to do it. This is my daughter. She's usually a real tomboy type.

jonsund Loc: Currently: Florida, USA

Nice images, good depth of field and color. I think the complexion is a little too soft. In the third image her eyes are distracting, either she is wearing contacts and we can see them or they were over processed with software. In all three the ear rings look soft and I would expect them to be sharp.

johnnyg67 Loc: Northwest Georgia

Hi Wendy, I think you did pretty good with these for someone trying to learn. I agree that the eyes in #3 seem to be a bit too sharp and perfect in contrast to the softer face, however she does have beautiful eyes! In portrait work the face needs a little more definition by trying different lighting. It seems that most of the face is illuminated about the same, which is okay for some poses, but not for all. I'm not sure how you are setting the lighting up? One, two, or more light sources, but you might try moving the lights to where you have a main light close to the subject and a fill light further away to create a little more detail. Be careful with poses from the side because not everyone has a flattering profile (Your daughter looks fine though). You have a great start but don't be afraid to play with lighting; its amazing the different effects you can get just by moving or changing the lights power etc. I'm not being a critic, just offering a few ideas that may hopefully help.

BGenie Loc: Sacramento, CA

I agree with what has been said so far. And add...

If these were 'model' photos, I'd do a little work with her makeup, especially the lips and under the eyes.

Also, if you're serious about doing portraits, I'd suggest investing in a green screen (you can get a starter setup that includes lighting from Amazon for $150.) and green screen software where you can drop in any background you wish.

ianhargraves1066 Loc: NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Florida

The attractive thing is her eyes

Great make up to ensure the eyes stand out.

Ian

WendyGraber

Thank you guys for the helpful advice. The only place I could take a photo was in the kitchen. The only light I had was from 2 windows and the camera flash. Granddaughter running amok, lol. I do love photography, but know next to nothing. This site is wonderful.

jonsund Loc: Currently: Florida, USA

Glad you are enjoying the site, I do find it very helpful myself.

johnnyg67 Loc: Northwest Georgia

Wendy you really did make good use of the lighting you had available. If you have good window lighting, that alone will make a beautiful portrait even without flash as long as you have your camera set correctly and your model positioned properly. Using available light (window light etc) only sometimes calls for slower shutter speeds so at times you may need a tripod or you may have a blurred picture. Again, good job! :thumbup:

WendyGraber

Thank you so much. Now I'm inspired.

photosbyhenry Loc: Apple Valley MN

I really like the 2nd portrait. Nice shot.

George Kravis

I like all of them - you did bring out a lot of beauty in facial shape, complexion and especially the eyes. The first could be cropped a little at the top. In the second one, the angular look is great except you've got her nose cutting her cheek and part of her left eye, a no no in portraiture; either you turn her more for a profile or the other way for a 3/4 view. All three, while showing your daughter's features to advantage could use a little less exposure; I'd say as much as 1/2 stop. In general, good job capturing the attributes of a beautiful face. Geo.K.