This is a new Album that I have created inspired by a comment that Rankin made on the BBC 4 programme "Great British Photography Challenge" broadcast last evening, he said that we are, or should be, our strongest critics. Well I find that very hard thing to do! This despite knowing that a lot of my photographs fall short of what I would like to achieve.
So the idea of this new album is to upload a photo every so often that I would like folk to critique.
This image of Callum I shot 2 years ago at the end of June 2019 and I like it, but I do think it could be a lot better! Portraiture is not my strong point to say the least, so advice on how to improve would be most welcome.
One thing I would say is that I do not want to use external lighting but stick with natural light only; so with this in mind over to you, how can I improve my portraiture? Thanks for your help.
I found the album. I am definitely no expert. I really like the pov at eye level and the boy is looking at you. I think if you could add some light to the left side of the photo, right side of the boy it would make his face more evenly lighted.
I find nothing wrong with this photo. if you wanted light on the left that would be fine but there isn't anything wrong with the way it is. there is a mood you've captured that is very appropriate for the age of the boy. well done.
I found the album too ( there is no link). I am no expert at all. The lighting looks fine, split lighting? My only suggestion is that the photo is very grainy and quite soft. I would try dropping the ISO from 1600 and slow the shutter speed to compensate. Probably need a tripod for that and ask your model to stay very still.
the lighting is gorgeous and the concept is one that i always favoured for head shots. with that strong light, i would have used a lower ISO. it is best to use a tripod and remote shutter to reduce camera shake. also, when taking shots like this, i make it a point that there's sufficient catchlight in the eyes. here there is on the left eye but it's on the edge. what i would have done is to get a cardboard (8x11) wrapped in foil that's facing slightly to the light so that there is ample reflection on the darker side (to define the contours and shape of the subject's face) and catchlights on both eyes. this i am talking from experience.
Ditto to summerfield...foil or a white card as a reflector. ditto on the iso and perhaps a bit more DoF so that both eyes are more in focus.
That said, the angle of the boy's head and his expression are wonderfully in sync with this lighting. Nice that he's not smiling. If this is how you start portrait...you're well on your way. (By the way, easier for me to say than do...)
I am no expert either but I don't like where his head is cropped off. I would like to see a closer crop, slightly below the top of ear and above the eyes, with some bangs. That would draw you more into the face. Also less wall on the left hand side...but that is just my personal preference.
Thank you for all of your very interesting comments. I appreciate the insights and the advice which will be very helpful for me as I try to improve this aspect of my photography.
@gardenfolk Thanks for pointing out the cropping of his head & the wall, I think you have identified exactly what it is that is bothering me about the photo but which I just couldn't identify was wrong. Cheers!
June 3rd, 2021
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That said, the angle of the boy's head and his expression are wonderfully in sync with this lighting. Nice that he's not smiling. If this is how you start portrait...you're well on your way. (By the way, easier for me to say than do...)