First post, first "shoot" - Mairin

[scottf2]

I had my first "photo shoot" with my friend Mairin - she was willing to pose and have fun for a couple of hours while I snapped away. This was my first attempt at a session with someone where the whole intent was to take pictures (as opposed to pictures of my family, etc.) and it was a lot of fun. After reading a bunch of stuff on this forum, I realize I made some mistakes that I'm looking forward to correcting next time, and would definitely like some further feedback/critique/comments on areas for improvement. One thing I know for sure is I need to get a more flexible lighting setup - I think I'm going to start with a flash bracket and go from there - I definitely had a hard time taking good portrait shots with my 580ex on the camera due to the shadows from the side.

Very little PP on these - mostly just adjusting levels, WB, etc - shot in RAW. All were taken with a Canon 20d, either with Canon 50/1.8 or Tamron 18-200.

Looking forward to hearing any suggestions/critiques.

Thanks for looking,
Scott

#1


#2 - don't like the bright lighting on her forehead/upper lip in this one, but otherwise I like it OK


#3


#4

[Matt takes photos]

#3 and #4 are great. they seem a tad warm though.

[Padre]

I like the backgrounds in 1 and 3 but find # 2 and 4 a little distracting. A very pretty lady with really pretty blue eyes and great expressions in #1, 2 and 4. Nice job..

[Shortie]

love number three

great first post and welcome

[scottf2]

Thanks for the replies. I'm looking forward to our next attempt - I've got a flash bracket on the way, which I think will help (I had to discard a lot of shots due to bad shadows.)

Definitely a lot to think about, but it's fun to have a bunch of different areas on which to improve!

Scott

[Blinky]

Very cool, I like the light in bottom shot a lot, nice catchlights. She's really pretty... it would be nice to see her loosened up a bit with more natural expression, but that takes a few shoots sometimes.

Thanks for sharing,
Chip

[ScottBuckel]

I like 1 and 4 the best. Nice photos!

Scott

[scottf2]

Thanks again for the comments. We've got "shoot number two" scheduled for some time this weekend, so hopefully I'll have some more images to post. For the second attempt, I'm hoping to learn from the first go around, and I'm also going in with some extra equipment. I picked up a flash bracket, and I'm going to borrow a friend's 580ex so I'll have a second flash to play with (slaved to my 580ex on the bracket). I ordered a light stand and umbrella for the second flash, but I don't think it will get here by the weekend, so that will have to wait for shoot number three!

Anyway, if anyone has any specific suggestions for the next attempt, I'd love to hear them.

Stay tuned for more images some time next week...

Thanks,
Scott

[Blinky]

I would go for some closeups of one or both eyes. She has striking eye color that should be emphasized when possible and contrasted with her hair.
Chip

[Jeeptastic]

I like the models facial expressions. They are very believable. I agree that close ups would look good.