Princess

I can't help but post another for a critique :P I'm getting so much out of the couple I've posted already... it's awesome


with this photo.. ... and used the auto enhance levels and contast...

because I don't have any lighting equipment at the moment... I improvised and used the light from my computer screen and flash

F/2.2
1/40

Good work on trying something different for lighting. However, a simple reflective board will do wonders. Next time at Wal-Mart, buy a big piece of white reflective card. With the amount of light coming through the window you will be amazed at what you can accomplish with this method.

What is your background with photography? Pick up a book or magazine which features articles on lighting techniques and it should give you some good ideas.

This picture is missing in a couple of areas. The right side of the picture is far too dark. You loose the detail of the crown or tiarra (spelling?) as well as her hair. The left side is too hot (bright).

The composition is good and her expression is great. However the lighting takes away from the positive.

Keep trying. You seem to have a willing model!

Cheers.

Mark.

I agree that the right side is too dark, but your model is a true beauty,and I think you have a great thing going just work on the lighting issues!!!

This is great. I love that you are posting to learn from your photography. (This may end up in Feedback Corner because I see a discussion starting on it)

I really like the subject and the compositions that you are attempting and look forward to seeing the progression as you learn more. I don't know much about lighting and tend to shy away from portrait photography because of no knowledge of how to make it creative with pose and lighting so good luck to you! You seem to be heading in the right direction for creative portraiture (sp?). ;)

I agree that the right side is too dark, but your model is a true beauty,and I think you have a great thing going just work on the lighting issues!!!

If you were going for a high-key portrait then you've missed your aim just a little.

If you were going for a low-key dramatic portrait, then you are right on!

The near blow-out on her right arm detracts from the over all photo, but still a fine portrait.

I personally prefer this low-key classic lighting setup. This lighting works better for adults, but it works here, too. NICE JOB!

Mark... thanks for the tip.. I'll look for that in wal-mart.. ( I'm not really sure what it is tho :oops:

Emma is a very willing model.. (she is my daughter and loves the camera.. lol)

my background in photography is next to nothing...

I've mainly concentrated on my drawing skills over the past several years.
I have ordered a couple of books about digital photography and I'm reading them at the moment.

Mamma.. thank you for your comment :D

Kris... I hope this thread ends up in the feedback corner.. that would be awesome :D thank you for your comments


Midnitejam... thank you for your input.. I haven't really thought about high and low key portraiture.. but will be thinking about it when I do my next photo shoot..


thanks again everyone.. :D :D

Sorry Hayley. Basically, a big piece (3'x3') white bristol board. Hold up to the side of the subject which is not closest to the window, ie if the left side of her face is close to the window, hold the board at approx 45degree angle on the right side of her face to bounce the light coming from the window onto her.

You will see what I am talking about when you try. It fills in the shawdows, and is so easy to use.

Just keep playing with it, you will find a set up which works well.

Cheers.
Mark.

* moved to Feedback Corner, as requested. ;)

I don't care what the others are saying about the lighting, I love the portrait. The expression on her face is priceless and beautiful. I like the sidelighting with the slight creeping of light into the portrait as it appears to push the darkness out of the frame. You have used a good deal of creativity to produce an excellent portrait.

Some others have given you excellent pointers you can incorporate into your work, but don't let rules and guidelines interfere with your creativity.

Of course, this is just my opinion. :D

This is a great pose. Tons of love pours out of this photo. The emotion rocks BUT it is even a little too dark for a low key portrait IMO.

One very major thing that I have been noticing about your portraits is the emotion. You use the camera as you conduit, the emotion you give from your side comes out on the other & the photos proove that.

I didn't have the original to work with but I did play around a bit in photoshop. What I did was enhance what was visible to draw the eye to her eyes. I blurred the bg, gave the photo more contrast, adjusted the color just a bit and sharpend the photo overall, then sharpened the eyes.

This is the type of photo that I would do hours & hours of post work to "save" -- and I mean by that to bring it to a place where I am satisfied with it. Some photos may have bad or poor technicals but have tremendous emotion and story that they are worth every minute. Thanks for sharing, and my apologies for not asking before I played with your photos. Keep up the good work.

Those are good edits Cleo. I really like the color version and believe that what you said about drawing the viewers eye to her eye really shows in your edit. Nice enhance on a nice photo!! I can't wait to see more of these low key portraits!

What is the haze on the left of the frame? I agree it's a bit dark. Has that on-camera flash look to it. For other posts I would say try some different angles as well. All of these seem to have been taken from a top a ladder peering down over the subject. Not that it doesn't work.

Has that on-camera flash look to it.


:roll:

Has that on-camera flash look to it.

Uh..esplain please? :?

poor lighting, not properly distributed, really bright spots on front and background is very dark.

What's up with the rolly eyes?

What's up with the rolly eyes?


I just find comments like that not useful. Taking time to explain is so much better :D

Well, then elaborate as such rather than being offensive. I did provide an explanation in the first post, or so I thought. Perhaps it wasn't as elaborate as it could've been.

Well, then elaborate as such rather than being offensive. I did provide an explanation in the first post, or so I thought. Perhaps it wasn't as elaborate as it could've been.


Offensive?!! You are joking right?

Danger, Will Robinson, danger!

Danger, Will Robinson, danger!

ROTFLMAO!!! :roll: (FYI...those rolling eyes were just for the funny by Menard the comic...teheetehee....maynard, that was hilariou..I am literally, LMAO :LOL:!!!)

Cleo.. I like what you've done with the princess pic.. I don't mind that you played with it :D

awesome feedback!!! thank you.. I can't wait to get started with that reflective card :P