Results of my first portrait shoot!

[Kev]

did you do any sharpening in post?

[Karebear98]

I did use the unsharpen filter over their eyes in about 1/3rd to 1/2 the pics. I really think I the haziness is from using to low of an aperature for the distance I had to stand with the 50mm lens in order to get all of their bodies in most of the pics. I should have done something different for sure.

Can someone suggest a reasonably priced, quality off camera flash? I'm going to have to read up on how to properly use one..lol

[LWimages]

The guy could have worn something nicer than just a white tee

[zebulus]

Originally Posted by arich

I have to agree with the both zebulus and redags01. Most of the shots seem...hazy? out of focus? maybe something happened in PP. I like the idea behind them but I definitely think that getting away from your on camera flash is what will make things like this pop

Okay, so its not just me. See, told you!

[arich]

Originally Posted by Karebear98

Can someone suggest a reasonably priced, quality off camera flash? I'm going to have to read up on how to properly use one..lol

Off-camera takes your pics to a whole new level.
This is a senior I shot last year with just one speedlite and a shoot-through umbrella+sunlight

By no means a perfect shot but it makes a big difference.

the 430EX II can be picked up new for anywhere from $200-$250 and I think it's a great strobe if you want to get into small portable lighting. The 580EX II is the top of the line and I'd love one but can't afford it right now
Read through the strobist site here to get introduced to off camera. Also search around on flikr and here and google to see where people have uploaded their pics and explained their lighting setup. Once you get a flash just start playing with it and figuring out what works and what doesn't and try to replicate the lighting in some of your favorite shots.

[zebulus]

I reccomend the Vivitar 285HV. Its completely manual, and a durable, dependable, workhorse. And its only $89 brand new.

[Karebear98]

Thanks arich and zebulus....the senior pic does look like a much more finished product lighting wise and sharper. Ugh..live and learn! lol It seems I have so much to remember while shooting people...but I guess after years of practice it will all become automatic. I got the job done and after I finished editing the pics above they look better and she likes them but I know I need some more equipment and I can be so much better. I keep wanting to manipulate them and that's how I know I didn't have the best equipment for the job.

[Tom]

You should just shoot natural light until you really get the hand of things. Learn about turning your models to create different shadows on their face. Learn what is and what isn't pleasing. How the angle of their face and the angle of light create different effects. All of that will translate over to using off-camera lights.

[Karebear98]

I thought I was shooting natural light photography still...but it's funny the couple friends I have that call themselves "natural light photographers" still shoot outdoors with lighting equipment.

arich....the strobist lighting 101 series is a great read so far, definitely will be book marking and using that site.

[Tom]

Someone that calls themself a natural light photographer could just as well substitute "rookie" or "newbie" photographer. Advertising that you don't have a clue how to utilize artificial light is not very smart.

If you are using your flash, it isn't just natural light.

[arich]

Originally Posted by Karebear98

I know I need some more equipment and I can be so much better. I keep wanting to manipulate them and that's how I know I didn't have the best equipment for the job.

The photographer's cycle: shoot>get paid>buy new equipment>repeat