Hi everybody!
I recently started shooting with a DSLR in December and I've fallen in love all over again with photography. I am seriously considering starting up a small business. I've been taking photos of friends to build up a portfolio, all for free. They all love their pics, but I would love your input. I know I have A TON of room to grow- that's why I'm here! I would specifically like to grow in lifestyle photography and portraits.
The personality of who you are photographing definitely come through in your photos which is amazing. Portraiture photography is not just about picking up a camera and photographing, it's about connecting with the subject and capturing the emotion which you do very well.
You are heading in the right direction for sure. Keep up what you are doing...and if you want to stretch yourself a bit, I would recommend trying to do some indoor photos in B&W. Just remember that when you photograph inside (and you probably already know this) window light is your best friend. Good luck!!
Hi April, I looked through portraits. I am not qualified to critique - may I suggest finding a local professional photographer (whose photography is primary source of income) for some feedback? What I can offer is my own personal viewing experience, but I wouldn't dare try to qualify it as critique or anything of the sort:
- What I liked: I liked the spontaneity of the portraits, most although posed, very close to being "environmental portraits". Also the focus is great. In almost every portrait the eyes are in sharp focus and I've come to understand this is critical in portrait photography.
- What I found distracting: I believe the intent of the backgrounds / setting was for "natural" or "environmental" setting as opposed to studio portraiture. But in many cases I found the detail of the background distracting me from the faces. This was mostly in the form of tree branches or grass going "through" heads, a telephone pole coming out of a head, etc. The camera sees all where our eyes / brains have the tendency to overlook such detail while composing the shot. I've come to understand as I learn photography that it is important to pay attention to composition looking around the complete frame for such potential distractions / intersections with the background. Where it can't be avoided can often be removed in post processing.
Again, I am just a novice myself so this is not in any way meant to be authoritative advice or critique - just passing along my own viewing experience in case it might help as "input". I sincerely hope you are able to realize your goal of starting a business of portrait photography ... I look forward to more shots. :-)
@jdowd- Thank you so much for looking through my photos! I've looked through your website and it looks great! Could you tell me more about what you call "free trade sessions?" Right now I'm doing all my photos for free. I am so glad that their personalities come through the photos, that is totally what I'm aiming for!
@rellimdj- thank you so much for your time and insight. Focus has definitely been an issue for me, I'm still working hard at it. For every 5 shots I get a focused one. I loved your input on composition. I focus so much on getting the right "natural" pose that I forget about the background. So much to think about!
@aprilmaejune Hi. Sure no prob! Free trade sessions mean that I get to post their photos on my website but they also get a disc of photos for themselves. It's a win win situation especially for aspiring models. I'm in the process of contacting some local boutique stores in my town to see if they are willing to do some free trade photo shoots....crossing my fingers and I get some yeses!!
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The personality of who you are photographing definitely come through in your photos which is amazing. Portraiture photography is not just about picking up a camera and photographing, it's about connecting with the subject and capturing the emotion which you do very well.
You are heading in the right direction for sure. Keep up what you are doing...and if you want to stretch yourself a bit, I would recommend trying to do some indoor photos in B&W. Just remember that when you photograph inside (and you probably already know this) window light is your best friend. Good luck!!
- What I liked: I liked the spontaneity of the portraits, most although posed, very close to being "environmental portraits". Also the focus is great. In almost every portrait the eyes are in sharp focus and I've come to understand this is critical in portrait photography.
- What I found distracting: I believe the intent of the backgrounds / setting was for "natural" or "environmental" setting as opposed to studio portraiture. But in many cases I found the detail of the background distracting me from the faces. This was mostly in the form of tree branches or grass going "through" heads, a telephone pole coming out of a head, etc. The camera sees all where our eyes / brains have the tendency to overlook such detail while composing the shot. I've come to understand as I learn photography that it is important to pay attention to composition looking around the complete frame for such potential distractions / intersections with the background. Where it can't be avoided can often be removed in post processing.
Again, I am just a novice myself so this is not in any way meant to be authoritative advice or critique - just passing along my own viewing experience in case it might help as "input". I sincerely hope you are able to realize your goal of starting a business of portrait photography ... I look forward to more shots. :-)
@rellimdj- thank you so much for your time and insight. Focus has definitely been an issue for me, I'm still working hard at it. For every 5 shots I get a focused one. I loved your input on composition. I focus so much on getting the right "natural" pose that I forget about the background. So much to think about!
@jdowd @jdowd @rellimdj