Portrait Practice

[draymorton]

Just messing around with lighting and a couple new techniques (new to me, that is).

[Frog]

You're already one of the best portrait guys so this is pretty amateur critique.
I think one works best though there is too much shine on his forehead and nose area.
Skin is just too washed out in the second for me.
The third is too contrasty.but I like the way the light in the bushes mimics the fish on his shirt, if that's any help.

[Greg McCary]

I like the first two. Maybe add a small amount of film grain to the second one. I think the third is good as well but the white part at the top isn't working for me. Maybe crop it just above his head. I also agree with Frog. You are one of the best at portraits so who am I to judge.

[jetrim]

Is that a medium large parabolic, or beauty dish I see in his eyes? Either way, it's working

Looks like you're using a butterfly (or paramount) configuration and you've done a great job on the fill. The key light is hot for sure but that's an intrinsic element of this style, so it doesn't bother me at all. You nailed the exposure perfectly. Only nit-pick I can come up with is the macro thin DoF seems to have left the tip of his nose out of focus on the first shot, but not by much. VERY nice work, Dray :thumbsup:

[gahspidy]

Dray, really good work. I like the full portrait most, but then it is totally different really. The subect looks quite natural and stands out nicely from the dark background. I'm not sure about the bright edge line above him though, but overall this is working for me.
The two tight face shots are fine, but the second one has a very limited dof and I'm not feelin it somehow. the first seems to have a bit more and opens it up.
Fine work as usual.

[draymorton]

Thanks for the feedback. These weren't serious shots by any means. Nothing I would show off as representations of my work. Basically just practice.

I'm not sure about the dof on the second. I was basically copying an actor headshot I saw, selective focus and all, but maybe it didn't work. I agree about the washed-outedness. That can be fixed.

I agree about the white in the third shot, too. Although I thought it was cool graphically-speaking, it does distract from the guy. Whether that really matters is another topic, I guess. I did try cropping above the head, though, Greg, and it definitely transfers all of one's attention to the subject.

jet - great eye. BD above, white cardboard underneath.

Thanks again!

[KyRain]

Dray, I think the 1st photo is very dramatic, I like how you cropped the top of his head off, the colors are warm and subtle, very natural, it is very pleasing. The black bg, everything works. The 2nd doesn't work for me. I love the organic look and feel of the b/g in the last, but I think the guy looks too "posed". IMHO....that knows nothing technically but does look w an artist's eye and heart. Sometimes the heart sees more than the eye, it just takes guts.
You got guts.