Joe Blow wrote:
#1 is over exposed.
#2, has me asking "what?". There doesn't seem to be any point to the shot. However, if he was looking away from the camera ir would change it from a posed snapshot to something else.
#3, the best by far.
#4, too busy*. Again, an over exposed, posed, snap shot. Add more saturation, more color on the model (bright shirt, coat, etc), and have your model not look into the camera. (see #3)
* Too busy means there are too many things in the shot so you don't know what to focus on. Here, the model blends into the graffiti.
#5, More posed snap shot. Have the model sit to the side, leaning against the wall with one leg on the same step. (Similar to the photo in your reply to Old Timer) Have him hug his knee, rest an arm on top of his knee. rest his elbow on the knee and head on his hand, ... . The Blue door adds a nice touch, work with it. Looking into the camera usually gives it that posed snap shot look. While it can work, often it doesn't.
#6, over exposed and too much contrast. It may also be cropped too much.
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I do not recommend shooting full manual. I prefer shooting Aperture priority with a set ISO. With these types of shots a tripod is usually required although there are work arounds. The shutter speed will be the least of your concern except for if you need a tripod or can hand hold. For me, I don't want to be bogged down ensuring my manual settings are correct. I am concerned mostly about my depth of field and lighting source. A compliant model is fine, but when shooting a child, pet, or oblivious subject you simply don't have the time to be constantly verifying your settings.
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I hope you find these comments constructive. You are good.
#1 is over exposed. br br #2, has me asking "... (
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Ok Here is an edited version of #1, thanks to some good advice from people, I agree looks better cropped and the exposure taken down a little. Still might not be perfect, but I think, better, for sure