Quickflash Loc: Loganville, Ga

Here she is, my partner, boss, girlfriend, you name it all rolled into the package attached...

Anyway, please critique. I am trying to learn from the best, and you folks are always more than helpful.

Thanks,

Dave

Magee

jimberton Loc: Michigan's Upper Peninsula

Good photo..I like the shadows on her face..love the catchlights in her eyes.

shy of being a GREAT photo is the untidyness (might not be the right word) of her hair. not saying anything bad about her hair..but it needs combed or brushed at the edges. I know i am not saying this right..but most of all, mean no disrespect to your beautiful partner.

but all in all..it's a very good shot. good work.

My wife assists me when I do portraits and she is great at picking up on those little details. I suck at it. I don't think I have gained enough experience at this photography thing yet..and am glued to getting the right light and right settings...so I can miss those details. I think it will come after I gain more years of experience.

Quickflash Loc: Loganville, Ga

Jimberton,
Thank you very much for your C&C. I couldn't agree more about the hair. She would have fixed if she was knew I was going to make her sit for the photo, but at that moment, neither of us realized it was that untidy.
I was really just testing my lighting, hoping to get the good things you described about the photo.
When I shoot other people, I let her look at the details of hair, makeup, etc. on the person. As you say, that allows for me to concentrate on exposure, lighting ratios and all the technical stuff.
At my age, I doubt I'll ever have enough experience to be as good as I want to be, but thanks to you and many others, I am improving slowly.
I did some PP on this, and hope I didn't over cook it. Sometimes it is hard to know when enough is too much. She loves the photo, other than saying, "I HATE my hair!"

Thanks again for looking and your honest reply.

DennisK Loc: Pickle City,Illinois

Looks good to me and I know the standard portrait is supposed to capture people at their best,but to me,sometimes I like to remember people as the are/were,not the foo fooed up version.

Quickflash Loc: Loganville, Ga

Dennis, thanks for your reply. I agree that if things look 'Too Perfect' it gives it a staged look, just like a fake smile or an unnatural pose. However, next time I'll get her before she goes out in the wind.

DennisK Loc: Pickle City,Illinois

Lol

jimberton Loc: Michigan's Upper Peninsula

hahahahaha...very true...

but a portrait shot IS a staged shot and everything should be as perfect as can be.....otherwise it is a snapshot.

Quickflash Loc: Loganville, Ga

Yes Jim, that is true, but I think the key is in staging without it looking 'staged'. Everything should be perfect. But, if the expression is not right, the pose looks unnatural or the model looks uncomfortable, you still just have a snapshot. The finest of details make it or break it.