Beginner needing to start getting feedback

[julestx]

I don't know how to post a photo for critique. I hope this works.

[Frog]

And now you have six posts! :thumbsup:

I don't know if "Beginner" refers to being a beginner photographer or begginer in the forums.
If by being a beginner photographer, NICE START!

I'm not a specialist in shooting portraits and you'll get more experienced people giving better advice.
In the first shot, the only thing I see negative is that bit of off white something and the blue line thing in lower left. You could clone them out but there''s something weird with how her top puffs out on lower right which would be harder to clone so maybe crop the shot just above those. I like the soft light.

Second might be my favorite. Maybe a bit more vertically top and bottom.
Welcome again!

[julestx]

Thank you so much for responding! I'm both a beginner to the forum and a beginner photographer. I took the top 2 photos in front of a large set of sliding glass doors. I don't think a flash was used.

I'm so happy to have your feedback! I didn't like the blue line on the bottom left of that photo either, and wondered about getting rid of it. Then I wondered if it added a fun and odd bit of colour. I guess not haha! But the puffy part of her top - that something I hadn't noticed and your response will help me pay more attention to such odd distractions - thanks!

What did you mean by "more vertically" etc on the second photo? I don't understand?

Also, the one photo of different child - I am concerned about so many things. Moles - do you remove them from photos when they are a part of the individual? Her skin tone is so pink, and just beneath her hair there is a blemish trying to peek out. What do I change? Is a front-on photo too squared off, should she be turned? Should the colours be somehow more soft or yellow rather than white/pink? Thanks!

[LeeIs]

you're pretty darn good for a 'beginner'

Too many photos to get any kind of indepth thoughts.

1. Even though, you're lacking blacks, I still love the looks of this photo.

2.Real stunner of a photo. The composition, black & white, model, everything is working together.

3, 4 & 5 are ok.

6 is another great one. you got some nice contrast going.very good composition (even if the top of her head is cutoff). overall a very good image.

Welcome to PR.

[julestx]

Thank you so much for your help! What does it mean to be lacking blacks? Is it bad photography to cut off part of a head (like the top)? How can I make it so I'm not lacking blacks? Thank you!!

[Frog]

I love questions because it makes beginners and experienced both think.

By more room vertically, I meant more room top and bottom. More of a vertical shot.
One of the rules is to not chop off heads,(or feet or arms), but all rules have exceptions.
Looking at your second photo again, I think it only needs a little more room at the top for balance.
Not necessarily the whole top of her head but a little more.
I think and hope he'll correct me if I'm wrong, that Leels was also referring to the second photo.
There does not seem to be any point in the photo that is totally black. Doesn't bother me in this shot but something to watch for, especially in black and white.

Try not to post so many photos in one thread for critique. Makes it difficult for critique. Each photo has its own strengths and weaknesses and to point them out in each shot can get tedious.

[armando_m]

Hi,

As mentioned it's easier to comment on 1 image than 6

1. nice light , nice pose, colors look washed out, composition too close to her feet, seem you forgot them
2. awesome black and white, nice composition and light
3. she is to close to the background
4. the green thing I do no tthink it helps
5. white balance is off, light is little flat, nice cathc light on the hair though
6. ver nice , colors look like an old photo

this are my opinions and your may be different

Whish I took more photos like 2 and 6 now

good job !

[julestx]

Thanks Armando! How do you fix white balance? When it is off, does that mean the picture is too white? Also what does it mean when the light is flat? Thanks so much!!

[armando_m]

Congratulation on the sticky !!!

I suppose the question about White balance was answered in the other thread you opened with the same picture ?

[Frog]

Congratulations on the sticky...Well done!

[julestx]

What is a sticky?

[julestx]

I like this thread on white balance because of the photos, for comparison: Auto White Balance Vs. Custom White Balance using a Canon Xt(350D)

I am just wondering what makes such a stark white so appealing and so proper in photography? I do not find it appealing. I often enjoy the warmer tones of what is considered inappropriate white balance. :-( I don't know if thats just the way an amateur like me thinks, and if it changes with experience, or what.

So I've learned:
1). Manual & camera hand-in-hand
2). Read, read read!
3). White balance is really important
4). Learn to shoot in RAW
5). Get a good editing program
6). Everyone has a different idea of what makes a photo 'good', but it varies widely.
7). Experienced photographers truly know the technical side of 'good' photos and are an excellent source of info on improving!

[Frog]

What is a sticky?

You are such a delight...lol!

When you open the critique forum, look up to top right. What do you see?
Its there because a moderator of the forum has deemed it to be the featured photo for its quality and interest and its YOURS!

Congratulations again!

[julestx]

You are such a delight...lol!

When you open the critique forum, look up to top right. What do you see?
Its there because a moderator of the forum has deemed it to be the featured photo for its quality and interest and its YOURS!

Congratulations again!

That is so exciting!! Thank you for pointing that out!! :-D

[LeeIs]

Congrats on the sticky! Well deserved.

[Andra2000]

congratulations on your sticky!!