I have a friend who needed a portrait for an award he's getting, so I took some traditional style portrait shots for him (even though I don't have a real studio) and was planning to enter one in the portraits challenge.
In the end, I didn't think it would do well, partly because I haven't done this type of portrait before, and partly because I thought it was so ordinary it wouldn't appeal to the DPC voters.
But I learned from the exercise, and I would love to get some comment style feedback as to what I could have done better. Also, if you think there's any issues in using this for his award; it will be printed 8x10 and permanently hung at a university.
nice business like portrait.
not all portraits should have emotion. there are many different kinds of portraits. children's, documentary, business, emotive, etc.
nice technique.
Left comments on the shot. Hope they help and you won't be offended. :)
Deannda
worked for a portrait Studio for 4 years
I read your critique for the shot and I think it was a very thoughtful critique that should be very helpful.
I agree, not all portrait shots have to be works of art. I had a heck of a time getting a business photo I liked. I'm a Realtor, and I'm always passing out business cards and business brochures.
Looks more like a pic for a ID card, passport, drivers licence or something like that too me than a portrait. To be honest I think I would of gave it a 4.
Stay above eye level when shooting people. Look slightly down on them so they have to look up at you. It opens their eyes bigger so you can see the whites under the pupil. It also keeps you from seeing up their nose. Less dominating feeling too....
Another thing. You have the main light lighting the right side (his right side) of his face and the background light lighting the same side. For contrast, light the opposite side of the background from where you light his face. His light face against the dark side of the background and his dark side of his face against the light side of the background.
Well I with Neuferland on the first two. But I disagree
about the background. What I would have done IF using a
backlight is center it so that the background fade from the
middle out. It is distracting when it fades from left to right.
Also, turn his shoulders to about a 30-45 degree angle from the
lens, then turn his head directly at the lens. And last tilt
his head slightly forward. When done correctly it will make him
appear more relaxed.
Overall a decent shot though!
I didn't shoot this for the challenge but I considered entering it. Then I took a closer look and thought it was too much like a snapshot, with too many distracting elements. I took it with the kit lens. Really just testing the camera more than anything else. Comments welcome as always.
I didn't shoot this for the challenge but I considered entering it. Then I took a closer look and thought it was too much like a snapshot, with too many distracting elements. I took it with the kit lens. Really just testing the camera more than anything else. Comments welcome as always.
Good expression and capture overall; as you said, the bowl is distracting from this as a portrait.
I didn't shoot this for the challenge but I considered entering it. Then I took a closer look and thought it was too much like a snapshot, with too many distracting elements. I took it with the kit lens. Really just testing the camera more than anything else. Comments welcome as always.
Good expression and capture overall; as you said, the bowl is distracting from this as a portrait.
