Can you give me an honest critique?

Question

What are your thoughts on these senior pictures?

http://www.w1000w.blogspot.com

I'm looking at going into photography in the future, and want to know how I can improve.

No, it's not me. I took them, but they're not me. And if you guys can be specific, that would be great. I've never taken a photography class before, so I can use all the advice you can give!

Answer 1

Excellent considering that you haven't taken a photo class!
- good natural and relaxed expressions on your subject
- nice use of tilt to make photo more dynamic
- good application of rule of thirds

Some of the high contrast shots can probably benefit from more fill...perhaps use a reflector if you don't like a little flash fill.

The black cowboy hat and white shirt photo is a difficult meter and you lose some of the subject's face in the shadows. Exposing more would probably yield a truly white shirt...but still a bit too high contrast. This one can probably benefit from some fill or reflector into the shadows. If you are shooting film and have shots involving these extremes (like a black tux and a white dress)...look into high contrast films.

For the last 2nd to last shot, you have a bright post in the background that might be compromising your color range...try to get that bright post out of your metered area next time. Or, try autobracketing.

The last shot looks a little underexposed, plus there is one bright spot behind the rose which could throw your exposure off. Again, use your autobracket. Great compo however.

Overall, work on your exposure...we all tend to underexpose. If you have a digital camera with a histogram...get that curve to hug to the right side, but not so far that it clips off (this is overexposure). This will yield excellent color in your shots. Also, for such portrait shots, learn to use an incidental meter (those hand-held meters with the white globe.)

Also, if you overexpose by one stop with a digital SLR, you actually bring it back if you shot in RAW. But some people like intentionally overexposed shots (high key effect) because it makes their complexion smoother.

Keep up the great work!

Answer 2

First off, you're doing a good job so far. If I understand your question, you want to know how you can improve.
Have you ever heard of the rule of thirds? It's a photo basic. Imagine a photo divided into thirds, horizontally and vertically, giving you 9 sections. Where the lines intersect is, in theory, where the focus is supposed to be. This is a basic of good composition. Start applying this rule when looking at professional works in print media and see if you can start teaching yourself basic composition.
Next check out how you have your shots framed. The eye will naturally follow strong lines in a photo. Don't cut off part of an elbow or a foot. A person subconsciously wants to see the entire subject.
Lastly, shoot several shots of each pose. Have you ever watched a professional photographer? They will take several frames of one pose because people do in fact move, even when sitting still. Eyes may not be looking at the camera, your camera may shake a bit, the subject may blink.
Finally, good job with taking the pictures outside. Natural lighting makes most subjects look the healthiest. A slightly overcast day is best because the lighting isn't so bright that the subject squints. Face your subject so that they aren't looking into the sun, but also make sure that any nearby shadows don't fall strangely into the picture.

Answer 3

You asked for honest so don't blast me for being so.

If you are brand new to photography it is not bad. Otherwise you have a lot to learn. In photography (just like in any other art form, actually) rules are meant to be broken. But only for specific reasons. And first you have to know the rules.

My two biggest problems with your photos are composition and background.

Composition: study the rule of 3.

Background: when you have a very busy background, the subject needs to be placed just right within it.

The 2 best pictures are the sepia/cowboy hat and the standing cowboy hat IMO. Overall your lighting is alright except for the picture where your subject's face looks white (almost like that part of the image is B&W.)

Two things I would never do is: 1/ give the viewer a choice (you are the artist, choose whether you want your picture in B&W or in color and only show your choice.) and 2/ tilted frames.

Best of luck.

PS= Having just read your add-on, if interested in more detail, you're welcome to contact me directly thru e-mail and I will try and help you within my availble time.

Answer 4

You have a very promising talent for photography. You have a great eye for lighting, angle, and position of subject. Try getting a little more creative with it though. Having her wear different clothes more often. I really like the one where her leg is pointed towards the water where she is holding the flower and the one where she is laying down and it is just of her face. Keep at it because you're really good. Keep a portfolio, like a scrap book/photo journal and always back your stuff up on to disks that are well labeled. Good luck hun.

Answer 5

OK, composition needs work, you need to look for pleasing angles in the way the model is posed. What looks natural may not photograph well. Some of the focusing is a little soft as well. In general I think you have a lot of potential there but like so many other things practice and develop that photographers eye for the image.

Answer 6

The one where she is reading and the flowers are in the foreground is nice - most people don't think about foreground... or background for that matter. That shows some talent, just keep practicing.

Watch the way the light hits the face. Shadows can be unflattering. A silver or gold reflector dish is a must if you are using natural light and it's sunny outside.

Have fun!

Answer 7

I would purchase some books on corrective posing and lighting. They will explain things like not crossing your arms as a person normally would and why, where to place hands, and what angles to turn the body. I really liked your photos! good luck and keep at it.

Answer 8

not bad. needs some refinement. i.e. lighting, some poses are too structured, not much variation in expression. all in all, you should be proud. i would definitely adjust the exposure of the close up picture where she's laying back though...she's really bleached out.

Answer 9

Are they you? Why doesnt she smile with a bit of teeth showing?

other than that, they are nice pics, well lighted and all. The best one is the one with the cowboy hat. Styled, and yet with a hint of spontenaety.

Answer 10

The poses are ok but I think the lighting has to be adjusted on several of them