This shot was taken before the snow came, but processed today :)
My father in-law asked me to take some photos of me, my boyfriend, my boyfriend’s brother and his girlfriend – as a Christmas present for my mother in-law. So this shot was a bit of a rehearsal for that, and I’ve gotta admit I’m not satisfied at all with this shot… It is okay, but not something I wanna frame and give away as a present!
So please – what can I do to make it better??!?! Any ideas will be much appreciated :) Thank you
@robv@worldshaker@csimmons@rich57@barrymikhal@indiannie_jones@remcogreutink@bunnygirl - thank you so much for taking the time to comment on my photo :) And if I could please ask for your help...? My father in-law asked me to take some photos of me, my boyfriend, my boyfriend’s brother and his girlfriend – as a Christmas present for my mother in-law. So this shot was a bit of a rehearsal for that, and I’ve gotta admit I’m not satisfied at all with this shot… It is okay, but not something I wanna frame and give away as a present!
So please – what can I do to make it better??!?! Any ideas will be much appreciated :) Thank you
OK, I'll have a go. Too many conflicting linear element in the background, the railings, fence poles etc. Leading several directions and intersecting at odd angles. The different levels of your faces form another line almost perpendicular to the fence line. You seem to be on a slope leading down toward the direction of your gaze, this is counter to your positions in frame relative tomeach other. It is a combination of these jarring elements that detracts from a pleasing image overall. In summation, less busy background, more complementary linear elements and greater congruence with landscape features. Still, you and your most significant other look quite nice! :) Oh, about the background, go with all natural or artificial and or focus/aperture to blur it so it won't distract from your subjects.
@robv - thank you Robert, and you are so right about the background, I'm searching my head for better places to shoot as I'm writing this... :) I will try to keep all your tips in the back of my mind for next time!
@robv WOW! That's real smart, and even though it made my head hurt to think about it, I'm going to keep thinking about it. @lily
Laerke--if my photos turn out, it's just persistence and good luck. So, I have to advice to give you, but I do have to say that when folks are that good looking, focus on them and have very little background.
i personally love this and think it would be beautiful in a frame! don't be too self critical! you take amazing portraits (and self portraits!) do you use a timer or a remote shutter release? either way, i'm impressed!
I think it's a wonderful shot of the two of you! I agree with Robert - better to have a blur at the background. And maybe color? Something like the magical tones from your previous photo? :-)
I agree with what Robert said before, also, although I love the light on your faces I wish you and your love were looking more straight to camera. I love the choice of b&w, and in general I think portraits like this are better in b&w :)
A softer, less distracting background will help immensely. But also play around with your positioning and where you are standing. The first thing I see when I look at your photo is your coat, and then my eye moves to your BF's face, and finally your face. I would try to compose yourselves to put the focus on your faces first. Also, you might consider keeping it in color. I love b&w portraits, but I think you have a wonderful talent for capturing light, and it adds such a softness and beauty to your images, that in this case, I would say keep the color! Good luck and enjoy the learning process. I admire you for taking it on. Lycka till!
December 9th, 2010
Leave a Comment
Sign up for a free account or Sign in to post a comment.
So please – what can I do to make it better??!?! Any ideas will be much appreciated :) Thank you
Laerke--if my photos turn out, it's just persistence and good luck. So, I have to advice to give you, but I do have to say that when folks are that good looking, focus on them and have very little background.
A softer, less distracting background will help immensely. But also play around with your positioning and where you are standing. The first thing I see when I look at your photo is your coat, and then my eye moves to your BF's face, and finally your face. I would try to compose yourselves to put the focus on your faces first. Also, you might consider keeping it in color. I love b&w portraits, but I think you have a wonderful talent for capturing light, and it adds such a softness and beauty to your images, that in this case, I would say keep the color! Good luck and enjoy the learning process. I admire you for taking it on. Lycka till!