Just starting out...

[amithi]

This is from a set of pictures I took for a family member who is a senior this year. I really don't know much of anything about photography, but I am fascinated by it. I got an inexpensive digital cam for Christmas, so I've been playing around with it. Any suggestions?

[Liz]

You did a great job here for someone just starting out in photography. You certainly have a photographer's eye.

I love the tone, the contrast, the lines. Excellent IMO! You also have a great subject. I would like to see a shot of the beautiful young girl looking more directly toward you - or the camera. She has beautiful eyes.

Any more?

Liz

[amithi]

Thanks so much, I'll put another one up.

[jar_e]

I'll agree here with Liz. Definately a great first shot. The eyes don't bother me much, I think it still works as is.

Well done and welcome to the forums!

[Liz]

Amiti - I liked your other shots, but there is something very special about this one. I had to stop and take another look

BTW IMO = In my opinion.......

Liz

Thanks so much, I'll put another one up.

[eoky]

I really like it. I'll agree and say you definitely have a good eye. Just keep doing it.

[readingr]

amithi,

Nice shot, A couple of things that would improve it for me

1. crop the right side level with the metal to loose all the wood. This will give the family member the impression of more space to look into on the left by moving her to the right.

2. This would possibly be better as a portrait crop.

other than that nicely done.

Roger

[amithi]

Thanks Roger!
Either of these work better for you?

[readingr]

Hard one - I'll have to settle for both, but leaning more to the portrait.

Roger

[walterick]

I think Roger and Liz said it all. I am also very impressed with this considering your newbie status. I can tell you have a sense for composition, positioning, and backgrounds, and that alone will take you far.

My main concern was the cropping, which Roger pointed out. The first one was a little tight on the bottom. The latter two are more flattering of a portrait crop imo. Though something tells me you haven't quite got the cropping nailed yet. Keep working on it, and if you get stumped look at some portraiture photography galleries for cropping ideas.

My second nit is her expression looks a little "spacey" though I only noticed it in the bottom two pics. Work with her a little bit and maybe take Liz's suggestion to have her look into the camera more.

My congratulations to you on finding a nice model, posing her well, and establishing a nice textured background for your work. Look forward to seeing you develop and post more.

Rick

[amithi]

Thanks y'all... I can see just from browsing these galleries that I've got alot to learn Unfortunately, when I took these pictures for my sister, I had no idea that there was a rule of thirds, so most of those pics weren't set up that way, and I can't do much with some of the originals. I'm sure I'll reshoot Alex at some point this summer, and hopefully those will be better.

I'm really enjoying this site though bc I can learn by seeing, not just by reading, and that's been very helpful. Thanks for all your input.

[zenabi]

I think it looks awesome. I wouldn't change a thing.

[Overbeyond]

Very nice efffort Amithi.
Excellent proof that you don't need expensive equipment to produce a good photograph. Keep taking them and post them here for us to enjoy.
Tom

[mpreslar]

Very nice work with wonderful detail around the eyes! I like the portrait crop personally. You certainly have a wonderful model there to practice on! I hope she likes the pictures!