My Gal and a Nature Walk

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Will V|Photography

Senior Member
Went to the local birding trail with my girlfriend to try out some portraiture. I'm terrible at it and I'm trying to get in all the practice I can. I don't really get a whole lot of feedback in the General section, so I figured I'd post in here. Sorry for breaking the rules and posting 2 pics. I can't decide which one I like better... Let me know what you all think!



Megan Nature Walk (1) by FLWill, on Flickr



Megan Nature Walk (2) by FLWill, on Flickr
 
Eduard

Eduard

Super Mod
Staff member
Super Mod
I like them both very much. The first one is an example of where a faster lens would have changed the image significantly. You were at 55mm but limited to f/4.0. A faster lens would have given you more separation from the background and nicer bokah. Regardless both are well done and "keepers".
 
Browncoat

Browncoat

Senior Member
Will V|Photography said:
I don't really get a whole lot of feedback in the General section, so I figured I'd post in here.
Click to expand...

That's because the General section is more for just sharing and discussion. If you're looking for advice and ways to improve, then post those photos here.

#1: Her expression says, "Really? Do I have to stand here and pose for you?" This is one of those hybrid shots that is half posed/half candid, and winds up being neither. One of the issues with using flash outdoors is that you run the risk of an underexposed background if not metered correctly. Next time, try using spot metering in a situation like this for a better overall exposure.

#2: I like this one a lot better. Definitely a candid shot, and the expression on her face is much more pleasing. The only problem is...it's out of focus and cropped too much.
 
ohkphoto

ohkphoto

Snow White
As a photographer, you have to give your subjects direction re: posing. That's the biggest problem in the first one . . . very unflattering pose and the flash almost washes her out. Think "S-curve", especially when posing women . . . you want to present the "illusion" of an hourglass figure. I also would not crop right below her shoulders . . . too much like MVD photo.

If you use a nikon flash and nikon's creative lighting system, it's easy to control the flash output (+ or - EV) when it's set on TTL/BL. That way, there won't be so much of a difference in the background and subject exposure. Remember that when you use fill in flash (or any flash), you don't want it to look obvious that you had to use flash. You want it to appear as natural as possible.

My 2 cents

Good attempt on these, Will. Keep practicing . . . only way to get better :)
 
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Will V|Photography

Senior Member
Thanks for the input everyone!

The first shot was really candid. I ran up a bit, turned around and snapped. The one thing with portraiture I'm terrible at is direction. I have no idea what to say, which is why I shoot my girlfriend. I wish I had a faster lens but that will have to wait for Christmas I suppose. Oh, and no flash used in either of these shots. All natural light. ;)

The second shot is rather soft. I liked her expression but the rest of the frame kind of sucked, so it's a super-close crop of a shot similar to the first. I think I was just proud of making something that resembles a decent shot from one that wasn't so decent. :D
 
F

fotojack

Senior Member
Anthony Hereld said:
That's because the General section is more for just sharing and discussion. If you're looking for advice and ways to improve, then post those photos here.

#1: Her expression says, "Really? Do I have to stand here and pose for you?" This is one of those hybrid shots that is half posed/half candid, and winds up being neither. One of the issues with using flash outdoors is that you run the risk of an underexposed background if not metered correctly. Next time, try using spot metering in a situation like this for a better overall exposure.

#2: I like this one a lot better. Definitely a candid shot, and the expression on her face is much more pleasing. The only problem is...it's out of focus and cropped too much.
Click to expand...

Anthony beat me to it again! :) He said almost word for word what I was going to type. Spooky, huh? ;) Although both shots look overexposed to me, they're a good first attempt. Keep at it, bud. :)
 
Browncoat

Browncoat

Senior Member
Will V|Photography said:
The one thing with portraiture I'm terrible at is direction. I have no idea what to say, which is why I shoot my girlfriend.
Click to expand...

The majority of the people on these boards (including myself) suffers from the same problem, Will. That's not intended to be hurtful to anyone, it's just a fact. It's why most of us are more comfortable taking photos of "stuff" than people, and why most people photos that you do see are candid/street...because the subject is unaware. Working with people and posing is difficult, and often more so for men. Posing is a standalone art form that takes a lot of practice.

Some will laugh at this, but it's the best advice I can give:

Get your girlfriend to pose nude for you as often as possible. The lines of the female form are beautiful, especially when photographed in black and white. With a willing model, you can learn about posing at an astronomical rate. It's the best way to study the human form and learn how to emphasize certain features and curves.
 
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Will V|Photography

Senior Member
Ha! I wish I could get her to pose nude for me. :D

I don't like that these shots seem overexposed. Only for the fact that I thought the first one may have been a bit underexposed... :\ Ah well, onward to more shooting!
 
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Will V|Photography

Senior Member
Thanks for the input Anthony and Rick! I've been reading a lot and also sending links to a "model" chick who wants me to do some shots for her portfolio. :rolleyes: Figured it would be good for her to know as well.
 
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