I agree with Megsy @megsy. Unless the background is part of her story, (which isn't obvious to me not knowing the background), I would change the background for the portrait or, if that's not an option, use a shallower depth of field to blur it out. I would also like it if her face were lit just a bit more. Your focus on her is good, but the brighter sky behind her pulls my attention a way some. I think that the eyes tend to focus on the lighter spots of a photo before the darker spots.
@rockinrobyn thanks Robyn. It was a spur of the moment shot so changing the background wasn't really an option. Will play around with my camera a bit more to figure out how to get the background out of focus a bit more, and out to change the lighting.
Thanks so much for the advice!!!
You can also do a fair amount of blurring / distraction removal / lighting adjustments in post-processing -- you have a very nice photo of her, so you could play with it a bit and make it wonderful.
@courtneylippiatt Maybe just a little vignetting and shot would be super, I don't really find the background as distracting as your name tag! My eyes are draw to her eyes which is to me the strong focal point on the thirds lines Great shot.
I agree with Megsy and Robyn. Maybe a closer crop? As @flagged Flagged suggested maybe a vignetting would help. Perhaps moving your name tag to the lower corner of the image and making it a little lighter too. It's a great first attempt.
I don't usually give critique, because I still feel that I don't know what I'm doing!
Focus is great and I like the dof, but the scene behind her is distracting. I think a closer crop....portrait I would also lighten it up a bit in post.
it would be a great portrait if the background has context....for example you were trying to tell a story about how she manages this parking lot/airport terminal, etc - - but if the background doesn't have anything to do with the story you are trying to tell, then i would have found another less distracting background.....but all in all i do like the shot!
the background is badly chosen, even if you could blur it out. the light is bad, it looks overcast, there's a lack of contrasts and its very mid grey. She looks as though she's squinting a bit too. I find your watermark distracting too. but its your first so fair enough. Practice makes perfect! first step is if you've a DSLR learn to shoot in manual and use your lowest f stop, if not DSLR then find portrait setting.
Thanks for the critique guys, working on fixing up most of what is said in post processing. Unfortunately can't completely change the background to something new, but as a bit of background she is a netball coach, so hence the netball court behind her. Have only had my DSLR for two weeks and am trying to figure out all the setting and how to use it.
The background makes lots of sense for a netball coach, and your focus was just right. I'd suggest doing some web searching on Portrait Lighting, Outdoor Portrait Photography, etc., and see what new things you can learn.
When I saw your title, and before I clicked on the link I thought to myself "bet this one is in black and white" and sure enough.
I agree with the others that the background is distracting. If it were my photo, I would have simply desaturated the colour version, and I would have cropped more off the bottom. Cropped off across at a point just on shoulder level. Fill the entire right side with her face and the background will lessen its ability to dominate.
Hi guys,
Thought i would just update you, had another go at a portrait, this time of my dad, ironically in the same place. After listening to all the critique I think this one turned out 10 times better.
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Thanks so much for the advice!!!
Focus is great and I like the dof, but the scene behind her is distracting. I think a closer crop....portrait I would also lighten it up a bit in post.
I agree with the others that the background is distracting. If it were my photo, I would have simply desaturated the colour version, and I would have cropped more off the bottom. Cropped off across at a point just on shoulder level. Fill the entire right side with her face and the background will lessen its ability to dominate.
Thought i would just update you, had another go at a portrait, this time of my dad, ironically in the same place. After listening to all the critique I think this one turned out 10 times better.