Portrait opinion ?

Marcel

Happily retired
Staff member
Super Mod
Curt, I don't know if you're serious with this shot or not. But, the red background is a no no for portraits. Plus it's got a motif… and is too close to your son. The background should be out of focus as much as possible. You also need some kind of kicker light in the eyes (could be photoshoped in)

Here is my take:

_DSC0205 copy.jpg
 

Curt

Senior Member
Well my main concern was the lighting, I really don’t have any back drops (just a red blanket or a black on…lol). As to serious I guess I am playing around with it just to see if I can get a better understand of portrait work.
 

TieuNgao

Senior Member
I've learned couple of things from these comments. I don't know enough about portrait photography to give a technical comment but the photo looks to me like it's cut and pasted on a black background. Regarding Anthony's comment, could you explain why it needs 3 light setup at different intensities? Thanks.
 

Curt

Senior Member
Well three point lighting means a Key light (main light source), fill light (fill in the unwanted shadows), and a hair light (some times known as a kicker) to make the subject pop from the background.
 

TieuNgao

Senior Member
Thanks, Curt. I don't think I want to spend money on lighting equipments just to take some portraits for fun. How about the built-in flash as the main source and SB700 to fill?
 

Curt

Senior Member
Well any off camera light source is better then the pop up flash, as it gives a harsh shadow behind the subject.
But you can try it and see what you get :).
 
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Curt

Senior Member
Thank you, I know there is so much to learn when it comes to portrait work, and its not exactly a area I have done much in, I guess I am not a real people person...lol. But I do enjoy getting a good handle on things I don't...lol.
 

Marcel

Happily retired
Staff member
Super Mod
You're getting warmer and warmer Curt. I much prefer this composition and the expression is more portrait like too. You need to give it a lot more light though or PP.
Great improvement over the last ones.

I gave it a little more light _DSC0039 copy.jpg
 
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Curt

Senior Member
Thanks you guys, I guess my problem is I really hate over exposed pics. So I really back off on the lighting…lol. I guess I prefer darker moody shades. So most of my work is a bit under exposed? I am getting a softbox in a few days and a proper back drop stand.
Right now its all kind of Mickey mouse set up. But I am trying to get it right…lol.
 

fotojack

Senior Member
Thanks you guys, I guess my problem is I really hate over exposed pics. So I really back off on the lighting…lol. I guess I prefer darker moody shades. So most of my work is a bit under exposed? I am getting a softbox in a few days and a proper back drop stand.
Right now its all kind of Mickey mouse set up. But I am trying to get it right…lol.

Hey bud, no need to apologize for what you're doing. I think you're doing just fine. One works with what one has at times. You're headed in the right direction, so stay with it. :)
 

Curt

Senior Member
Well Jack in my line of work it is very important to be in shape, I do a fair amount of weight training.
It really helps in Kung Fu training :).
 

fotojack

Senior Member
Well Jack in my line of work it is very important to be in shape, I do a fair amount of weight training.
It really helps in Kung Fu training :).

LOL....I was just yanking your chain, bud. :) Believe me, I understand keeping in shape for martial arts. I spent 5 years straight studying Goshindo Kempo in New York City back in the early '70's with Peter Siringiano as my Sensei. I still do a little kata to stay in somewhat reasonable shape for an old guy. :)
 

Curt

Senior Member
Martial Arts is very good for your health, but also for your soul. Nice to hear you still train a bit Jack :).
 
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