vicksart Loc: Novato, CA -earthquake country

The first "casual" senior portraits didn't meet the expectations of my granddaughter, so we redid them on Sunday afternoon at sunset, the only time she had available. For those of you who asked, she thought the first set looked "awkward."

We tried some different poses and lighting techniques. I discovered that bouncing the flash off foam core needs more practice. As to other fill flash techniques, some worked, some didn't. Once again, I believe I need more practice. Ideally, tagging along with a professional would probably reduce the learning curve, and I've put that on my "to do" list. The whole effort felt a bit rushed to me in terms of getting everything set up while the light began to vanish between 4:00 and 5:00 pm. Also, my granddaughter didn't have time to improve her makeup with Thomas's recommendations - brow highlights and chapstick. I hope she'll be willing to pose again and let me do some touch ups. All the granddaughters will be together for Thanksgiving - lots of models to practice with!

The photo she chooses, not necessarily one from this collection, will be printed in a rather small format - probably no more than 1.5" tall.

All critiques are welcome.

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chevman Loc: Matthews, North Carolina

Nice set, Vicki. I like the last three the best. Keep practicing and experimenting with the flash. You might want to check out Neil van Niekerk on youtube he is a strong advocate of bounce flash portrait photography. He also has some books on Amazon.

flyboy61 Loc: The Great American Desert

All very nice! My favorite is #5.

rfmaude41 Loc: Lancaster, Texas (DFW area)

#4 is my favorite; as it's the only one that doesn't have the white, distracting straps showing.

vicksart Loc: Novato, CA -earthquake country

Thanks for the link chevman and the time you've taken for this post.

vicksart Loc: Novato, CA -earthquake country

Thanks for looking and commenting sniper. I think #5 is my pick of this bunch, too.

vicksart Loc: Novato, CA -earthquake country

I didn't ask what kind of garment that is. She wore it for the first shoot, too, and I was a bit surprised to see her wearing it again. I was just glad the jeans didn't have holes in the knees. LOL At least the green sweater wasn't as bulky.

Thanks so much for commenting on this series rfmaude.

rlaugh Loc: Michigan & Florida

Good job my friend!!...I have done graduation pics for four grandchildren and have found that you just have to take control like you would if you were shooting a client! Family finds it easier to direct you, rather than you directing them as far as posing, background, colors, props, etc. Then they want it done on their schedule, with no knowledge of the best light for shooting outdoors! Though I loved shooting them, shooting family is much harder to me!!.....take charge and keep at it!!!

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

You did well.

kubota king Loc: NW , Pa.

I agree with no 4 too . It looks more natural and not a pose for camera shot and no distractions out around her ,Tommy

Stephan G

The shots were well done.

What I would have different is to have a more solid background. The bole competes with your model. If the crop has the bole as the only backdrop, then it could work. Putting the bole to the side may work, if it compliments the model.

With Senior pictures, the idea, still, is to let the model shine through. You might want to check out some of the bride photography for ideas.

As Yoda would say, "On the model, focus."

And do have fun.

SoHillGuy Loc: Washington

I also like #4 but having the sweater off of her shoulder draws too much attention in my opinion. Also, I believe your lens choice is not one that most portrait photographers use.

https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/tutorials/the-best-portrait-lens-three-lenses-every-portrait-photographer-needs-to-consider

issa2006.

Lovely girl. I like #5 best-natural looking portrait pose. The white shirt under neath does not bother me. That is what young people wear nowdays. The color looks a little off . Was it an overcast day?Do you like to do available light photos. They can be tricky to do but are gorgeous. I am also doing senior portraits of my granddaughter and her dog.

charlienow Loc: Hershey, PA

Vicki. She is a beautiful young lady. You did a good job on the photos.

The problem I see is she is not relaxed. Her face looks tense in the smile. The smile doesn’t seem to get to her eyes. Do you have someone else with you. Maybe a friend of hers. Someone to bring out her playful side. Get her to laugh...relax.

The lighting seems okay to me.

Anyway, keep doing it and happy thanksgiving

Chuck

dat2ra Loc: Sacramento

An admirable set. I like #4 and #5. Although I would prefer the white strap were not there (the eye is attracted to the lightest color space), the photos still work. I think the lighting in the first three is pretty flat; better on the last 3. But, I think the background in #6 competes with your very pretty model, especially with that white fence (again, eye is attracted to light areas) running through her head.

On #4 and 5, you could brighten her eyes a bit in post, and add a bit of saturation to her skin (you can also play with Curves), which to me still looks a bit flat.

As to the shoot, for something like this, I'd use a gold reflector (rather than silver or white) below the model, or even a bounce-to-gold flash.