So I've been working on my photography skills lately in hopes of learning a thing or two, and my sister has been a willing model for me during this process. I rather liked how this shoot came out, so I thought I'd share a few of my favorites. Constructive critisism is welcomed and encouraged!
I like how you selected a place with a nice background and your model had places to put her hands or give them something to do. ; Putting the Sun to her back made for nice rim lighting (the over exposed light rimming around her shoulders and hair). What I would have done was to use a reflector (a simple piece of white poster board would work) to put a little more light on her face which is a little dark. ; Such added light would also make her eyes really sparkle. A small flash in fill flash mode would also give the added light to open up her face more. Otherwise, I like the set.
I like the last one! ; Scott, funny you mention using a piece of white poster board as a reflector. Ive been doing some research on that since I plan to take nice pics of the kids in my class for Mother's Day and want them to look as nice as possible. ; So my understanding is you set up the white posterboard kind of off to one side of your subject to reflect the light off their face/eyes?
#1,2,4 are nicely done but a point of critique on#3, since you asked. ; The way her arm and leg are positioned makes it a dominant feature in her photo and, to me, it takes away from her face. ; Her chin seems a bit awkwardly placed as well. ; I think you are off to a dynamite start and you should feel very encouraged with what you have here. ;
That is correct. ; You'll see the reflector's effect and can adjust the angle until you get what you are looking for. ; Have an assistant help with this or tape the board to a lightstand that can be easily moved.
Nice work. ; I like the composition on all 4, but I agree that the arm is distracting on #3. ; I'll also second Scott's suggestion of using a reflector or flash to light the face a little more.
Nice shoot! ; I like all the pics and agree that a reflector would add some nice fill. I would have chosen a golden color for the reflector to add warmth as a white color may be harsh in this lighting. Your composition is well done too. For me her hat in all the pictures is covering a tad much of her face. It draws the attention away from her eyes IMHO. Try tilting the hat towards the back and or side a bit more to open the facial area. In the second pic I like the use of the flower. Perhaps it should have been away from her face, though. A little recomposition of her hand and the flower, so that here eyes are not fighting for attention The 3rd picture I would have stepped back a bit and composed a little more to the left to get her whole body in frame. I agree with Tim that there is something about her arm and the angle that it is at. The 1st and 4th pics are the best IMHO. I really like the composition and the back lighting adds a nice warmth and glow. They both showcase your sister's beautiful eyes. Keep the pictures coming and well done!
