armandoluiz Loc: Oppland, Norway

Hello everyone

The last three months many people I know have been asking me to shoot them, their kids or their pets. Most of them told me that they did not like the set they have paid for and they would rather pay me to do this work next time.
I said NO to all of them.

But, I do want to say YES, extra money is always welcome and would help me to buy more equipment.
So I have been "training" with my son, my girl, my cats and myself, what do you guys think? Do I have enough "skills" to do that and get paid for it?
Most of the shoots are with the 50mm. I would like to get a Sigma 70-200mm 2.8 if I decide to work as a freelance shooting people and pets.

Thanks

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rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Armando, there are a lot of videos on youtube that have some very good guidance. I'd check those out.
--Bob

armandoluiz Loc: Oppland, Norway

Will do, thanks

WadeH Loc: Texas

Those shots look great to me.

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

I would ask you to shoot my mother-in-law, but that's probably not what you mean.

One thing you need to realize is that it's just not technique. You really need to understand composition, light, posing, etc, but you REALLY need to know psychology. Connect with your subjects, and they will connect with you, through the lens, and it will show up in the portrait. The majority of your photos don't have any eye contact, so they don't have a connection.

Anyway, if you go to "advanced and professional portraiture" section, between Ed, and Cliff (CaptainC) you won't find any better mentors for portrait photography. If you are looking for a bunch of "atta boys" you won't get it, but they are fair, and honest, and don't allow any trolls to try to put people down as sport. I manage the wedding photography forum with Ed, and we have the same policy. Constructive criticism is fine, but no personal attacks. I think that would be the best place for you to start.

Just my 2 cents, from a guy who's been cracking away for over 30 years, and still don't know as much as I want.

Good luck in your pursuits, it's fun, frustrating, and NEVER boring.

bk

jim quist Loc: Missouri

You might check out some of these books. Back in film days Monte Zucker was quite the name.

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/monte-zuckers-portrait-photography-handbook-monte-zucker/1100906176?ean=9781584282136

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/posing-for-portrait-photography-jeff-smith/1100906169?ean=9781584283010


https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/portrait+photography+jeff+smith?_requestid=9135513

armandoluiz Loc: Oppland, Norway

Thank you all, I will check everything 👌

ronz Loc: Florida

You realize we all started somewhere. Some were exposed early by parents etc but never to late to start. Some great Utube videos may get you going quicker and be sure to practice what you see. The old saying is "right on" practice, practice, practice. People will tell you when you are good enough to charge for your work. Once there, don't give your work away.......

berchman Loc: South Central PA

I will just comment on the portrait of the woman. Had you raised the camera the woman's left nostril would not be gaping open and the flesh under her chin would not be bulging. Also, you don't want the nose to be extending beyond her far cheek. Finally, her expression is not the best. I am far from being an authority on portraiture, but these are some of the things I've learned from reading. You will get expert feedback from the Advanced Portraiture section. Put your photos there.

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

I was fortunate enough to meet Monte, and took a few of his seminars. He was an amazing photographer, and probably the best teacher I've ever had.

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

Engagement with your subject is, in my view, the most important element of a portrait. This is where the viewer gets a glimpse of your subject’s personality.

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

Nice, love the third one.

fetzler Loc: North West PA

Read books on Yousuf Karsh. You did a nice job on the young man with the orange cap.

Also consider looking at books concerning Edward Curtis, Diane Arbus, and Dorothea Lange. The painter Johannes Vermeer is also worth studying. Seeing greatness inspires visualization.

crafterwantabe Loc: Mn

I really like the 3rd and 9th one

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

You need some guidance before you engage into portraits. Of all those images you posted only one, in my humble opinion, merits to be called excellent and that is No. 4 where you achieved a very good shot and slightly blurred the background. I wish I could have seen the left hand and the feet but considering the other shots to me that was the one that stroke me as the most interesting one.
You need help with lighting and posing and do not forget that fill-in flash has its place in outdoor photography.
Learn how to pose the subject and how to use light to improve on the photograph. Portraits, like other areas of photography require good visual design which is learned with good guidance.
Good luck!