The secret of a good portrait
Jul 1, 2012 11:37:50 #
Hi
This is a black and white version of a photo from a Police open day and another of my mother. I like portraits (particularly B&W) but am never happy with the results, any suggestions?
Thanks
This is a black and white version of a photo from a Police open day and another of my mother. I like portraits (particularly B&W) but am never happy with the results, any suggestions?
Thanks
Kent Police officer in B&W
Mum in B&W
Jul 1, 2012 14:31:01 #
I don't think you'll get any worthwhile help unless you do a couple of things:
1. Tell us what kind of camera you're using, what kind of lens, if an interchangeable lens camera, and EXIF data (speed, aperture, ISO, etc.)
2. Check the "(store original)" box when you upload your file so that people can see what's really going on.
Both photos appear underexposed, with very poor contrast. But you already figured that out. Oh, and tell us about any post-processing you may have done. Put the unretouched originals up, if they're still available.
1. Tell us what kind of camera you're using, what kind of lens, if an interchangeable lens camera, and EXIF data (speed, aperture, ISO, etc.)
2. Check the "(store original)" box when you upload your file so that people can see what's really going on.
Both photos appear underexposed, with very poor contrast. But you already figured that out. Oh, and tell us about any post-processing you may have done. Put the unretouched originals up, if they're still available.
Jul 1, 2012 16:39:03 #
I agree with RMM, the policeman's helmet merges into dark background of the trees. It also shades his face, a fill in flash would help as well as moving to a spot with a lighter background.
Your mothers chin disappears into the background, and a plain background would improve it, as well as an increase in contrast.
Your mothers chin disappears into the background, and a plain background would improve it, as well as an increase in contrast.
Jul 1, 2012 17:54:10 #
If you like portraits (and I do too) try this Ebook:
Portrait tips and techniques by Wayne Radford. (just google it) and you'll get some real world effective instruction on immediately improving your portraits.
Portrait tips and techniques by Wayne Radford. (just google it) and you'll get some real world effective instruction on immediately improving your portraits.
Jul 2, 2012 06:26:16 #
I am away from location so I can not give the ref. There was a youtube on portrait photography and how to pose the victim. I was impressed with the tricks the photographer used to eliminate that turkey neck etc... do a search and find instruction. By the way I think the two you loaded were very good.
Jul 2, 2012 06:42:11 #
You've done well. However, I think you'd do better with portraits to rotate the camera 90 degrees and shoot as a portrait. This would eliminate the background to either side of the subject and concentrate more on the subject. Good composition added at the time of taking the image and you'll see an improvement very quickly.
Jul 2, 2012 06:43:05 #
Peter Hurley,search it on YouTube , I saw the tutorial you refer to it was very good.
Jul 2, 2012 07:41:58 #
Jul 2, 2012 08:19:30 #
Fred Bear, what is it that you do not like about the photos? Do you want to know how we would shoot them or are you looking for advice on how to refine these in post-processing?
Personally, I like both but feel that should be printed better. I like the close cropping of the policeman but he needs greater separation from the background and better tonal range. I like the landscape orientation and the off-center placement of the head. Creates a nice tension. As for Mum, the softness is apt but I like a bit more snap, i.e., tonal range.
I hope this helps.
Personally, I like both but feel that should be printed better. I like the close cropping of the policeman but he needs greater separation from the background and better tonal range. I like the landscape orientation and the off-center placement of the head. Creates a nice tension. As for Mum, the softness is apt but I like a bit more snap, i.e., tonal range.
I hope this helps.
Jul 2, 2012 09:46:24 #
I think the picture of you mom is good but the DOF is pretty shallow. I'm guessing you had the lens wide open and it made her hair out of focus. If this is what you intended, good job. If not, you might want to pay attention to that in future shots
Jul 2, 2012 09:49:04 #
To me, the most distracting thing with the officer is the white line running across his neck.
Jul 2, 2012 10:27:39 #
rpavich wrote:
If you like portraits (and I do too) try this Ebook:
Portrait tips and techniques by Wayne Radford. (just google it) and you'll get some real world effective instruction on immediately improving your portraits.
Portrait tips and techniques by Wayne Radford. (just google it) and you'll get some real world effective instruction on immediately improving your portraits.
Checked out Wayne Rutherford. Good stuff. Downloaded a free e-book and plan on a comprehensive reading of his blog. I like his methods and think it is well worth the time. Thank you for bringing him to my attention.
:thumbup:
Jul 2, 2012 15:34:14 #
Jul 2, 2012 16:22:47 #
You could try editing them in any Photo Editing software, I used Photoshop CS5.5 for your two pics, what do you think?
Jul 3, 2012 02:07:48 #
I agree with all of the above. But I love that bobys hat You could hide a throw away gun up there.
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