jonsommer Loc: Usually, somewhere on the U.S. west coast.

This individual is the city manager of a small town contemplating some fairly major decisions that are awaiting his evaluation . . . can you feel the intensity of his concerns?

(Download)

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

It’s a really nice head shot. I believe I’d crop in much closer to focus only on the head.

Lens Cap Loc: The Cold North Coast

I agree with the crop...I would also blur the back ground a little. The intensity is in the face/head.

AZNikon Loc: Mesa, AZ

Love the shot, hate the background.

jonsommer Loc: Usually, somewhere on the U.S. west coast.

Hi all, thank you all for your comments and suggestions. It's always good to see things through other's eyes.

dat2ra Loc: Sacramento

Yup. Nice portrait. I too would crop just above his elbow and leaving his head, as you have done, in the right third. Good work!

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

jonsommer I'm loving the green plaid shirt here... fabulous iconic pendleton flannel... superb wardrobe styling...

Ok, if you are seriously looking to do portraiture on your Olympus Mark II then maybe rethink using the Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8... While typical 24-70mm ƒ/2.8 focal length (35mm format) is a favorite amongst photojournalists it is decidedly a questionable choice for portraiture... Also shooting portraiture wide open at f/2.8 is not a epic choice either... stop down to at least 5.6 unless there is an overwhelming strong reason to blur out background elements...

This lens would be a stellar choice for full length fashion... or possibly events...

Please consider at least doubling your focal length for portraiture... actual three times would be more germane...

Also if you have your heart set on portraiture then it is the lighting that matters... You simply can't shoot highly effective portraiture with available light... word! This single fact is what separates hobbyist from commercial shooters... learn what board, short, split; Rembrandt; paramount illumination patterns are and how to use the effectively... until then please use a hair manikin to practice on... once mastered then and only then put a sitter in front of your lens...

jonsommer experience is a brutal teacher as I sadly found out on my journey...
wishing you much success moving forward jonsommer

dat2ra Loc: Sacramento

And the background is brighter than the subject. Usually the viewer's eye goes to the brightest area first. You could maybe drop the highlights and bring up the shadows in LR. Or next time, use a reflector or fill flash. Jon Sommer is right.

Uuglypher Loc: South Dakota (East River)

Jon,

Your low perspective coupled with his unfocused “thousand yard stare” low and out the other side of the image and totally ignoring you and your camera do, in fact, elicit an immediate impression that his immediate concerns transcend all else.

Portraiture is not my genre, but I am impressed with the immediate impact this portrait has.

Dave