First "Job" Senior Session

[dmac]

Here are a few from my first ever "pro" job. This girl is a student of mine (and daughter of a colleague) so I thought she would be a good subject for practice. C&C is appreciated.

#1 (skin smoothing and burned edges)
[IMG] D7K_5038 smoothed and burned by dmccardle, on Flickr[/IMG]

#2 (skin smoothing)
[IMG] D7K_5252 by dmccardle, on Flickr[/IMG]

#3 (Straight out of Camera)
[IMG] D7K_4793 by dmccardle, on Flickr[/IMG]

#4 (needs work)
[IMG] D7K_4914 by dmccardle, on Flickr[/IMG]

[dmac]

60 views, but no comments or suggestions? C'mon...this is my first shoot...I need some advice. Thanks

[BenE]

1) great color, composition and lighting.. background selection is unique... a good salable portrait with a creative flair.

2) needs more contrast, and even though the depth of field is shallow it is somewhat plain and nondescript, and the lines cut into her head

3) the bright area on the right kills this one, but a nice pose

4) face is dark, legs and arm are the brightest part of her body....This is the problem with shooting in direct sun
...........

Bright sun also causes eyes to close.

The first seems to be available light only, or perhaps a very well controlled fill flash.

#1) in my opinion, an outstanding shot.

[dmac]

Originally Posted by BenE

1) great color, composition and lighting.. background selection is unique... a good salable portrait with a creative flair.



3) the bright area on the right kills this one, but a nice pose



#1) in my opinion, an outstanding shot.

I wonder if I can fix #3 with some burning or something?

And thank you for the comments.

[cstewart1977]

I'm doing my very first senior this Wed, so by all means, feel free to fire back:P

#1 is too smooth for me. It's not consistent with the rest of the set. Give back her freckels, they're cute!

#2 Looks plain to me. I don't see enough of the subject. The shallow DOF is working against this portrait.

#3 The blownout background isn't that too big of a deal for me really, but the crossed arms are. I've been seeing a lot of Pocahontas lately, is this some trend I haven't heard about??

#4 I like this one the best, but for the expression on her face. I'm not a fan of the harsh lightng. Her dress is poofing out a little and I'd rather see her hands, than that rail thingy.

[dmac]

Originally Posted by cstewart1977

I'm doing my very first senior this Wed, so by all means, feel free to fire back:P

#1 is too smooth for me. It's not consistent with the rest of the set. Give back her freckels, they're cute!

#2 Looks plain to me. I don't see enough of the subject. The shallow DOF is working against this portrait.

#3 The blownout background isn't that too big of a deal for me really, but the crossed arms are. I've been seeing a lot of Pocahontas lately, is this some trend I haven't heard about??

#4 I like this one the best, but for the expression on her face. I'm not a fan of the harsh lightng. Her dress is poofing out a little and I'd rather see her hands, than that rail thingy.

Literally my first skin smoothing. I was kinda thinking the same thing... I think I was so excited that it was working (not that's it's difficult) that I went too far with it.

Thanks for the feedback...valid point, all.

[texkam]

Quickly
#1, Skin is a bit overcooked, otherwise good shot.
#2 Agree with above, Chopped head is no good and DOF not good. Also don't like wrinkle under mouth and neck wrinkles.
3 and 4 are nice shots but can't comment much because they need some post work. They are not framed very well. No room above the head. You don't want the head to kiss against the frame.
Overall some nice things going on, but yes, you could use some more practice.

[dmac]

Originally Posted by texkam

Quickly
#1, Skin is a bit overcooked, otherwise good shot.
#2 Agree with above, Chopped head is no good and DOF not good. Also don't like wrinkle under mouth and neck wrinkles.
3 and 4 are nice shots but can't comment much because they need some post work. They are not framed very well. No room above the head. You don't want the head to kiss against the frame.
Overall some nice things going on, but yes, you could use some more practice.

#2
#$%^, you're right about the neck

#3 and 4 ---@#$%, you're right about the framing

thanks for the comments