First try at Portrait

[sparkie1263]

This is my first try at taking and editing a portrait in PS. I know I should have used fill flash. I tried to fix the wrinkles on her face and removed power lines. Please post comments.
Thanks Frank
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PS The picture is for a real estate ad so I though the fence was a good back ground.

[JTcooper]

Hey sparky, I thinks the W/B is off and if you have another chance I would place her back again the sun. other than that you have a wonderfull subject to work on, don't forget to watch out for the background too.

happy shooting,

[Alison]

Ooh did someone say portrait? hehe

Other than what has already been said about the background the first thing that struck me is that it appears she doesn't have any eyes.
That may seem harsh of me to say, but a portrait, especially as close as this one, is usually about the eyes.

Not necessarily so for some portraits, of course, but this one I feel would have benefitted from some fill flash or a reflector. This would have created some catchlights in her eyes

Try also to find a shadey spot, to help prevent hotspots on the skin and your subject squinting.

I like your work with the cables and fence post.

As for backgrounds, for real estate, maybe you could have her stand at the edge of the garden with the house in the bg?

I hope some of my suggestions help.

[sparkie1263]

I did not know how to put in eyes in PS. I am going to take some new shots by the beach. I was doing some work at the office where my wife works and my wife asked me to take some pictures of one of the agents. She was in a hurry so I just took a few quick pictures out back. I will try to take all the advice from here and apply it next time. There are so many things to take into consideration when taking shots like this. I am going to take them in RAW next time also.

Fixed Jacket

[Alison]

I know it's difficult, even for me, to remember everything. I ALWAYS forget stuff.
I once read somewhere, never be afraid to use your flash, even in full sun!
Try it. Shoot lots, it's digital, you can see your results, unlike with film.
Shoot some with flash and some without flash. Some in shade, some in full sun.
How about YOU facing the sun and use your flash.

I'm not sure how much more equipment you have, but, if you wanted to use a reflector, it can even be something as simple as an A4 sheet of white paper. If it's a head and shoulder shot you need get the subject to hold the paper themselves. Their hands will be out of shot.

I often get my kids to face my house with the sun behind them. The white exterior wall of my house makes a great reflector.

[Alison]

I just spotted something, that white fence would have made a great reflector too. Wearing a white T-Shirt may help too.

Just trying to give you some ideas, especially if you are shooting on location. You can't be lugging around too much equipment.

Good luck with your shoot at the beach. I'd love to see your results.