I often admire the wonderful portraits that are posted on this site, it is one of the areas that I really struggle with mightily. I know this is far from perfect, too many harsh shadows (and I am sure many other issues also), but I still chose it as my shot for the day as my son has decided to embrace wearing a bow tie. It took him over an hour to figure out how to tie it. No smiles though, like most 17 year olds their best smiles are strictly reserved for women other than their mother.
Your comment about smiles made me laugh! What a handsome guy, and that bow tie looks great! I tend to favor portraits like this - portraits that are just natural and not posed. I think it is wonderful, and I like it a lot in black and white!
@tabarlett Thanks Tammy, I really appreciate your words. I am sometimes over critical of myself, this site is both a blessing and a curse. I have learned so much from here, but I also see how much I need to improve, but overall I have to love how it makes me push myself.
Another something we have in common. My almost-17-yr-old is fond of reminding me I'm "just mom" as if that explains all of his disdain! :) I love this portrait! What a handsome young man!
@voiceprintz lol, thanks JT. I have to say he has been more excepting of me this summer compared to last. All part of the teenage experience I think. Still love them regardless!
The bow tie is styling! Very handsome young man... you are right, of course. He needs to save the smiles for the next generation. :) (Sorry).
I have worked on portraits, too. They do not come naturally to me. Try a lens or an aperture that is wide open, as wide as you can get it, to blur the background and give light to the face. Don't take the suggestion as a criticism, because this is a lovely shot, but I have learned so much when folks point out how I could have handle a shot better.
Soooooo Good! Wow! I have to say that for portraiture, you are a long way in front of me. I love his expression, your B&W and his boe tie. Very god job my friend :))
@daneau Thank you Marc. I am not sure I am in front of you when it comes to portraiture, I do believe when I first started following you did a portrait (and it was good). however I don't think there has been one since! As for me, every time I see my mistakes then I am learning, and hopefully I will not make the same mistake twice. Thank you for the encouragement!
wonderful portrait! Love his expression. The lighting is great too, you could try opening up the lens as Rosie suggests but in my eyes you have already separated your subject with the background.
Great portrait and love the bow tie. Well worth the amount of time it took him to get it right. Portraits is something I'd like to try so no suggestions since I have no experience, but it looks great!
Fantastic portrait! Well done in difficult lighting situation. Dappled light can be tough for outdoor portraits, but you've caught his face in one of the light spots and that has really worked. Personally I do not find the background distracting, the depth of field seems appropriate. I can tell it's a tree which emphasizes a sense of place for me as well as reconciling the dappled light, but it's beyond the depth of field enough that it is not in focus and distracting. I'm not sure if I would have the same appreciation if it was further blurred.
I have worked on portraits, too. They do not come naturally to me. Try a lens or an aperture that is wide open, as wide as you can get it, to blur the background and give light to the face. Don't take the suggestion as a criticism, because this is a lovely shot, but I have learned so much when folks point out how I could have handle a shot better.