Portraits near the beach - B&W: I've always liked B/W and still struggle to get the pp correct but I enjoy it. Quick shots while exploring the Charleston, SC beaches. Very windy...

sxrich

I've always liked B/W and still struggle to get the pp correct but I enjoy it. Quick shots while exploring the Charleston, SC beaches. Very windy, brutal sun, no external flash. Nikon 24-70 2.8 non-vr, D750. Quite a beautiful woman - in her 60's which amazes me. CC is welcome as I'm open to continued learning and I know there are some awesome photographers on this site.

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MMC Loc: Brooklyn NY

#1 is your best. #2and 3 yes are very dark. It is possible to fix in Photoshop. I tried to correct #2. If you do not mind I can show you my result.

sxrich wrote:

I've always liked B/W and still struggle to get the pp correct but I enjoy it. Quick shots while exploring the Charleston, SC beaches. Very windy, brutal sun, no external flash. Nikon 24-70 2.8 non-vr, D750. Quite a beautiful woman - in her 60's which amazes me. CC is welcome as I'm open to continued learning and I know there are some awesome photographers on this site.

sxrich

Thanks for the feedback and yes, please show me your edit!

MMC Loc: Brooklyn NY

BTW You could avoid this problem using flash.

sxrich wrote:

Thanks for the feedback and yes, please show me your edit!

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rmm0605 Loc: Atlanta GA

sxrich wrote:

I've always liked B/W and still struggle to get the pp correct but I enjoy it. Quick shots while exploring the Charleston, SC beaches. Very windy, brutal sun, no external flash. Nikon 24-70 2.8 non-vr, D750. Quite a beautiful woman - in her 60's which amazes me. CC is welcome as I'm open to continued learning and I know there are some awesome photographers on this site.

I agree with those who say no. 1 is the best of 3 good shots.

fergmark Loc: norwalk connecticut

I am not a portrait photographer, but I know that lighting is everything when doing so. Her face is almost all in shade in 2 and 3. Having taken these in such harsh lighting conditions, bringing up the contrast in her face affects the already extreme dynamic range in the rest of the shot. I think 1 improves if you push it in a darker direction. Im not sure the lighting is flattering in this shot though. The shallow depth of field gives the wall a lot of attention on the right and distracts. I agree she is a good subject. Not all pictures work well in black and white. I think I would try to deal with the harshness and contrast in the raw conversion a little more and they might look better in color.

fergmark Loc: norwalk connecticut

fergmark wrote:

I am not a portrait photographer, but I know that ... (show quote)

I fooled with it some

johnbee418 Loc: Manchester Conn.

The "very dark" are called contrast. Which is the heart and soul of B&W.

MMC wrote:

#1 is your best. #2and 3 yes are very dark. It is possible to fix in Photoshop. I tried to correct #2. If you do not mind I can show you my result.

sxrich

I appreciate the opinions, comments and edits. I had walked to the beach with just the camera and left my flash in the car (bad move as I couldn't even try HSS or fill other than in-camera flash). The backlighting on two of the shots was almost overpowering and metering was very difficult. Had to try exp. comp but bottom line, very difficult conditions without external strobe. So, I did my best and was using a 24-70 2.8 which I like but definitely not a portrait lens which I have a few. i do admit that i like a fairly strong variance in zones when possible in my B&W but realize everyone has different tastes. Here's a color version of pic #1. I also realize that sometimes you just aren't going to be able to get the shot you want or control the lighting as much as you want. It's all good experience though and thanks again for the feedback and edits.

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davefales Loc: Virginia

I like the shot a lot but think the luminosity off the wall should be toned down (luminosity masking works.)

Robeng Loc: California

sxrich wrote:

I've always liked B/W and still struggle to get the pp correct but I enjoy it. Quick shots while exploring the Charleston, SC beaches. Very windy, brutal sun, no external flash. Nikon 24-70 2.8 non-vr, D750. Quite a beautiful woman - in her 60's which amazes me. CC is welcome as I'm open to continued learning and I know there are some awesome photographers on this site.

sxrich,

Let me begin by saying wonderful model especially in her 60's. To me your best images is #1 overall the composition is good, pose is good and the smile adds a lot to the image. The only thing I would consider is removing her sun glasses and tone down the wall a little in post production. #2 is good too except its a little dark. You copped a little to close and cut off her fingers which I wouldn't have none. Also consider your background, there's a lot going on with all those slaps in the background. #3 her hair is a little wild, never easy shooting when there's a lot wind. I would add a little more light to her face.

I believe talk is cheap and the person talking should back up what they are saying. So feel free to visit my website and check out the models section in the people's gallery. Type in Girls for the password.

Keep posting

Rob

sxrich

[quote=Robeng]sxrich,

Let me begin by saying wonderful model especially in her 60's. To me your best images is #1 overall the composition is good, pose is good and the smile adds a lot to the image.
Keep posting

Just saw your feedback, which I appreciate. Everything you said I agreed with. One of those days where I didn't expect to shoot this gal but why not -brutal conditions, wind/lighting etc/no speedlight but do your best! Good feedback and I agree with you - talk is cheap. Rob, liked your images a lot. Let's stay in touch!

sxrich

couldn't get into your website with login. I used what you said but they wanted my email address and it was an issue. just an fyi

Robeng Loc: California

sxrich wrote:

couldn't get into your website with login. I used what you said but they wanted my email address and it was an issue. just an fyi

sxrich

At your convenience, go to my website below and click on it. It will open my site. Go to the People gallery and click on the Stunning & Sexy gallery, it will ask for a password. Type Girls and you should be able to to view the images. You can also view my images here at the hog too. Keep posting.

Rob