feeling a bit blue?

[livin4lax09]

one of my best friends...



first one done with the homemade backdrop that was posted in viewfinder.

[livin4lax09]

one more

[Tel]

No problem with your photography, Looks great, But the smile looks insincere. But thats just my opinion.

[livin4lax09]

first one, yeah, kinda was. second one wasn't, though it can look insincere unless you know her, i agree. Thanks for the comments.

[Tel]

No problem. And I know you probably dont need it, But I got some pretty good results when I told my subject to just act natural, I mean, Its digital, so you can try a ton of shots, but I mean, Its good to try a ton of different stuff. Get her smiling, get her looking preoccupied, etc. Just think of a ton of facial expressions, and tell the model to do them. But thats just what works for me.

[livin4lax09]

yeah, i tried, but she's so camera shy that it was tough to do so. We've been friends since 1st grade and we hung out for about 3 hours before shooting these, completely comfortable, but something about cameras just makes her tense up... it's something I have to work on, making models feel more comfortable. I think part of that is just telling your models exactly what to do, and not say "i dunno, do whatever" which I kind of did with her just because it was kinda of a "want to be my subject quickly?" "sure!" instead of a planned session.

[Tel]

Ahh, Camera shy people. See, There okay when your just shooting them for fun (Like your friend) But when your getting paid, Its annoying. They kinda expect better from you, and its not your fault. Its there fault for being so tense.

But yeah, Jokes are good, Though I've only done a couple shoots of people, They seem to work well.

[gahspidy]

Both are very good imo. I really dont care for the strong colors and contrast in a portrait, but I think it still is very good. I have no problem with her poses. These shots remind me of High school Graduation pictures that would be in a yearbook. Is the bg one of your home made muslins? Good stuff.

[livin4lax09]

yep, that's kind of the look I was going for, as I'm trying to get into senior photos next year, grad photos this year. And yes, the background is my DIY muslin. Thanks for the comments Gary!

[CLKunst]

Hi Brent,
I prefer the second of the two. The first has a few too many shadows across her face. Looks like a fill board or reflector on the lea side would have helped a bit there. The second is a nice engaged posed and has better lighting on her face. Sure the smiles look a bit pasted on but that's what formal senior pictures are all about, kind of, unless your doing packages that include formals and "Candids" (read: not in front of a backdrop but in doorway of a barn, posed shots).
It's tough dealing with camera shy folks. Sometimes I will say something like, 'Why don't you stand/sit over here so I can test my light? You can practice your smile if you want but no pressure, these don't count.' Or I tell them "Don't smile. I mean it, whatever you do. . . " That always seems to work on the kids. Best of luck with your endeavor.

[livin4lax09]

thanks cl, I had a reflector in the first shot but seeing as I have no assistant, it was a bit too far off the frame, strapped to my tripod. Need to make myself a reflector holder...

I prefer the second as well, just because the eyes are much more captivating, and I agree, the lighting is much more even.

Once again, thanks for the comments!