Ben's nana Loc: Chesterland, Ohio

Hi all, I have been doing photography for about 4 years, which I love, but have never been good at portraiture. I recognize that a great deal of successful picture has to do with using light in the right way. I know what I like when I see it , but can't seem to be able to duplicate it. Another hogger suggested I join this forum, to get some feedback and to learn. So, here are my first uploads. Please be honest...I can take it. I want to get better at this. Thank you in advance
Fran

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charlienow Loc: Hershey, PA

I like these.

Chuck

Ben's nana Loc: Chesterland, Ohio

Thanks Chuck. I am happy wit them but I did not have a plan when I started shooting. There were so many that went into the trash that I feel that my good shots were almost accidental
Fran

charlienow Loc: Hershey, PA

I really like the photo of your daughter. Very creative. Some of your trash shots maybe could have been improved in post processing. I rarely toss shots. I have talked some pretty bad shots and turned them around. The more I learn about post processing the more photos I seem to save.

Look forward to seeing more of your work.

Chuck

Ben's nana Loc: Chesterland, Ohio

Ben's nana Loc: Chesterland, Ohio

Thanks fro encouragement
Fran

Wakko12 Loc: New Hampshire

Hi Fran,

I think I was in the same place you are now a few years ago and have been working on portraiture for the last few years. With that said, my experience on in this particular forum “professional and advanced portraiture” is that the real pros are very helpful with fine tuning and specific questions, but you may not entice them to comment on this thread without specific things you want help with.

Things to start out with:

Planning - we don’t want distractions in the portrait. Everything is serving a purpose. Do I want the corner of two walls to stab my subject in the head? Sometimes the answer is yes, but everything should be a planned.

Next, portraits call for controlling light - it can be natural light or flashes etc - but you are trying to get the best light possible. There are a ton of resources out there and some pretty inexpensive, good systems to get off-camera flash setups.

Then we have to get good at post-processing. The second shot is underexposed (to me). With some reworking, it may jump out as your favorite picture. Maybe you wanted it that way? It is all about the effect you’re going for - if you’re going for dark and mysterious, the pros here can help you do that so it’s eye-popping.

Keep in mind these are the ideas of another amateur who maybe knows enough to get himself in trouble, nothing more. Maybe one of the pros will jump on and give way more useful comments.

yssirk123 Loc: New Jersey

Great start Fran! My suggestion would be to start with 1 light at a 45 degree angle to the subject slightly elevated with a white reflector opposite the main light. Position the subject at least 3 feet from the background, and then practice (which is fun by itself).

Good luck on your journey.

Ben's nana Loc: Chesterland, Ohio

Bill, thanks so much for your tips. I'm assuming if you are outdoors you keep moving the subject to get the same angle and then use a reflector opposite side? Thank you for compliment, as well
Fran

Ben's nana Loc: Chesterland, Ohio

Wakko, thank you so much for your tips. I went back and reworked my images: removed the wall seam, and lightened up the baby image and, yes, it made a huge difference. That was very helpful, as I learn best by someone pointing out what I can improve on. I've attached the redos.
Fran

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charlienow Loc: Hershey, PA

Great re-edit.

Chuck

Ben's nana Loc: Chesterland, Ohio

Thank you, Charlie
Fran

Jimmy T Loc: Virginia

Welcome to the UHH.
These are very nice pics.
Remember to take lots of pics and self-critique honestly.
That is the way you learn. Just don't be too hard on yourself.
Since you are starting out in photography I recommend starting with:
1. The exposure triangle - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eVjUrY9a9c&t=5s
2. Then move to your camera's controls and learn what they do and how they control exposure.
3. Follow by reading Bryan Peterson's book Understanding Exposure, $15.99 - https://smile.amazon.com/Understanding-Exposure-Fourth-Photographs-Camera-ebook/dp/B0104EOJSK/ref=sr_1_1?crid=BCE9Z9HNNCJ7&keywords=bryan+peterson+understanding+exposure&qid=1585223021&sprefix=bryan+peterson%2Caps%2C137&sr=8-1
4. Finally, use these free Bryan Peterson videos. They are very short, usually 2-10 minutes long, easy to understand, and will simplify your photographic education.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9z4zfVVan8&list=PLC807CCF3F5186201&index=1

When you are learning, remember that the "P", and "A" camera modes are your friends.
Shoot a scene in "P" or "A" mode, then take a shot of the same scene using settings you select and compare the results (note differences) of (Exposure Triangle) shutter speed (SS), F-Stop, ISO, etc.
Above all, remember that photography is fun, and rewarding, so enjoy your photographic journey.

Smile,
JimmyT Sends

Ben's nana Loc: Chesterland, Ohio

Jimmy, thanks so much for all the information. I should have been more accurate. I am not new to UHH, just new to the Pro portrait section. What I struggle with in portrait photography is undersatnding light and hoe to manipulate it. I will look at your suggestions as review is always good and I find I often pick up some new information
Fran

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Hi Fran! Welcome!

You have some good ideas and this is a good effort. As you mentioned LIGHTING is one of the key elements in good portraiture. Composition and expression are important as well.

In your portrayal of the young lady, you nailed the expression and in portraiture, that's half the battle. You will need to work on your lighting as you advance and improve in portrait photography.

In portraiture, light shapes and sculpts the face and gives the subject modelling via light and shadow. Good lighting accentuates the eyes. Light gives shadow detail, vibrancy to the hair by bringing up the colour and adding highlights. The light must feature the face and be controlled so other skin tones in the body and arms do no compete with the face and distract the viewer's eye away from the expression.

It's best if the lighting is controlled at the time of photography but certain edits can simulate better or improved lighting. So...I did quick edits to illustrate some of my points.

If you are interested in getting into some technique, let me know and I will recommend some study material to get you started.