My First Portraits :O

[blue-october-fan]

My friend Haley asked me to shoot pics of her for a modeling gig she has this weekend, as I'm the only one in our photojournalism class that actually knows how to work a camera :/.

These are the resulting pics...







You can see all of them here: lhanleyphoto's Photos | SmugMug

Thanks!!! Comments/suggestions GREATLY appreciated as this is my first time doing this!

[Kirk]

I'm not sure what kind of modeling she's doing, but none of these photos seem to be about her as a model.

#1: Her face (a model's most important feature) is almost completely overtaken by the light, which ends up becoming the focal point. The big broad smile makes these look more like senior portraits than something that would go in a modeling portfolio. The posing too.

#2: The processing in her eyes is way overdone. They don't look natural and almost animalistic. The unconventional angle isn't flattering here either, again especially if it's for or to get modeling gigs.

#3: Again, the odd angle isn't very flattering in a modeling context, and the pose with the stop sign is confusing. In the image, the scale of the size of the sign and the model is apparent, and she ends up being the smaller, less prominent detail in the visual hierarchy.

I tried to find the rest of the set at the link, but couldn't. I'd like to see what else you got though. Just remember for modeling shots, it's less about a photographic or artistic statement, and more about making sure the model is selling a look or item or emotion etc. When directing a model, definitely try to get emotion out of him/her. Again, it depends on the type of modeling the model is hoping to do, but that stuff - emotion, flattering angles, and a focus on the face - is going to make your modeling photos much better.

[blue-october-fan]

Thanks for the tips, Kirk. Yeah I definitely am tuning down the processing on the eyes in the second shot. I went a little crazy :O.

I have no experience with portraits, especially modeling portraits, and neither did she. I was really unprepared (my fault completely) for the shoot, and didn't do any research or anything for posing, etc for model shoots, even though I should have... :/

Thanks again and here's a few more from the set (about 17 of 40).

Thanks!

[auddii]

I don't know anything about modeling either, but I did find this through the FAQ for new TPF members page, and I always try to refer everyone to it.

http://www.rickykphotography.com/fil...ortraiture.pdf

If you friend is looking to be a model and if you want to shoot for her again, I'd suggest starting to look through different magazines and look at types of shots that she wants. High fashion is very different than commercial. And it something BOTH of you need to do. Yes, as a photographer you will need to help with posing, but she needs to know what a model needs to do and typical types poses/facial expressions.

[blue-october-fan]

Thanks Audrey! I'll definitely look into that. Thanks for the tips!

[blue-october-fan]

fixed the eyes when I got home from school... ^^^ thoughts?

[Fireball]

Yes the eyes are much better. Just wish there was less tilt. Makes me think she's gonna fall on her head, lol!

Keep working at it and study up as others suggested. And since she's new at modeling also, she would be perfect to practice on alot. Helps both of you.

[blue-october-fan]

Thanks Charrie!