[hb]

ebi nailed several things; I see a few others that you want to be aware of: with those letter jacket shots I would have moved her farther from the background, then shoot with a longer focal length.  That combination would give you much better separation by getting the background more blurry.

In one shot it looks like you’re using flash and her skin tones are totally blown out.  If you’re going to use flash you’ll need to learn how to balance it with ambient light for a natural look.  Shooting through an umbrella or soft box from approx 45 degree left or right of the subject can go a long way; a pro can use flash and make it look like natural light but it takes some time to master.  Also, stray hairs in that particular shot are out of control; she looks like she stuck her finger in a light socket.

Raccoon eyes in several shots: if you’re going to use natural light watch out for where you place your subject relative to the sun.  The eye shadows are a huge no-no.

Water-in-the-background shot.  Underexposed.  You probably had your camera on some auto mode and it set the exposure for the water which is much brighter then the shade you have her in.  Hence, the water looks great but she doesn’t.  Shoot in manual, use the spot-metering mode on your camera and expose for her face.

Looking out the window shot: I have to say that this, for me, is the best of the group but the color temp is way off.  Her pose is more natural and the window light is very good here and you have decent detail in the shadows.  Not sure if you used a reflector to lighten that shadow side; I’m guessing not based on your experience level but this is decent light to work with.

Just keep practicing and go to some workshops or maybe even watch YouTube vids on lighting, composition, posing, etc.  There is a wealth of info out there.  I took a photog class in college back in 1986 which is when I first got hooked but have learned mostly from online sources over the recent years and it has become my full-time gig.  The rest is practice and improve.  Good luck!

[Author]

Posts