First Planned "People" Photoshoot with Girlfriend

p27rpy · April 11, 2011

I am trying to branch out a bit more from automotive photography and want to try my hand at fashion, portrait and event photography. I have been lurking in the People sub-forum for some time now, gathering ideas and technical info as best I can. This past weekend, my girlfriend and I headed down to the Arboretum to shoot a bit and get some practice.

I really love all the naturally lit shots that I see and I decided to do the same, with no off camera flash for the shoot. I did bring along a reflector. Shot with a D700, 85mm 1.8 and 50mm 1.8. I ended up loving the 85 for this purpose.

I have to say, it's harder than it looks! I'm happy with my first attempt, and would love to hear any CC that you more seasoned portrait photogs have for me. Be honest, it will only make me better!

Theo

1

2

3

4
I was going to toss this one initially, but I thought it had kind of a "monroe-esque" quality to it. Maybe, maybe not, haha.

5

6
My personal favorite of the set.

7

8

9

10
- (Only realized while editing that you're not supposed to shoot up into the nose...oh well. Now I know for next time!)

11
- The possibly overdone upside-down shot

12
- Trying my hand at sunflare.

13

SimpsonBrothers · April 11, 2011

#1 & #5 for me. Nice work.

TenThirteen · April 11, 2011

I LOVE #5. Your model is lovely ;-)

Qarik · April 11, 2011

these are quite nice and I don't have much to say! Composition, focus, processing all are VERY solid! my only nit..and it is small one..and one you can't crontol..is the bokeh. In shot #4, the bokeh is a touch harsh. This is simply due to the less circular nature of the 1.8 lens (they have less blades). The bokeh has a "double vision" type of quality. You can smooth these out conisderably by upgrading your lens.

Chris02 · April 11, 2011

1&9 for me

p27rpy · April 11, 2011

SimpsonBrothers wrote: »

#1 & #5 for me. Nice work.

TenThirteen wrote: »

I LOVE #5. Your model is lovely ;-)

Thanks very much, guys!

Qarik wrote: »

these are quite nice and I don't have much to say! Composition, focus, processing all are VERY solid! my only nit..and it is small one..and one you can't crontol..is the bokeh. In shot #4, the bokeh is a touch harsh. This is simply due to the less circular nature of the 1.8 lens (they have less blades). The bokeh has a "double vision" type of quality. You can smooth these out conisderably by upgrading your lens.

Thanks for the advice! I am scrounging and saving for a 1.4 as we speak. I appreciate it!

Chris02 wrote: »

1&9 for me

jeffreaux2 · April 11, 2011

Overall these are really well done and I like the processing. My only nit is that she has the same exact facial expression in all but one shot...and it is only slightly different. Have fun...laugh...cut up.....smile....and dont smile.....mix it up!

p27rpy · April 12, 2011

I see what you mean. I'll make sure to remember that next time!

CASowers · April 12, 2011

5 is really nice! Did you use a gold reflector on that one? She looks warmer in that shot than most of the others.
Nice set.

p27rpy · April 12, 2011

I actually used a reflector on almost all of these shots, but the sun was extra intense on that one and on #13.

reyvee61 · April 12, 2011

Great natural light shots I must agree overall and yes the minor nit would be posing and or expressions of your lovely model. That being said kudos to you for you first transition from automotive to people, you did well.....
I love the 85, it's my favorite lens to use!
#9 is my fave and I love how you caught the light on her on #13...

Darren Troy C · April 12, 2011

1, 3, 4, 5, and 12. Nice work!

p27rpy · April 12, 2011

reyvee61 wrote: »

Great natural light shots I must agree overall and yes the minor nit would be posing and or expressions of your lovely model. That being said kudos to you for you first transition from automotive to people, you did well.....
I love the 85, it's my favorite lens to use!
#9 is my fave and I love how you caught the light on her on #13...

Thanks! 85mm =

Darren Troy C wrote: »

1, 3, 4, 5, and 12. Nice work!

Thanks very much guys, I appreciate it.

Shima · April 13, 2011

For being your first attempt this is really good! She knows how to work her body for the camera too, so that probably helps, but you know how to compose the image and did a nice job of that + post processing.
1,3,7,8,10 are my favorites.

p27rpy · April 13, 2011

thanks very much. i agree, it was made very much easier due to the fact that she was able to become comfortable in front of the camera. she's been hiding that she's a model...who knew?

thanks again for your comments!

Kinkajou · April 14, 2011

4, 6, and 9 for me. I really like the feel of those photos.

I agree that she needs to change up the expression a little bit, and angling her chin down the slightest bit would be beneficial.

Lots of potential, my friend!

p27rpy · April 15, 2011

Thanks for the tips! I agree with you completely.

I appreciate the kind words.

RacinRandy · April 17, 2011

Nice Shots!!

this one is quite nice too. Nit, The little metal tag sticking out of her ribs.

I actually like this one a lot.

A nit with this one, The dismembered hand in the back is very distracting to me. May just be me though.

I like this one!

p27rpy · April 17, 2011

this one is quite nice too. Nit, The little metal tag sticking out of her ribs.

good eye, i need to clone that out of there.

I actually like this one a lot.

Thanks!

A nit with this one, The dismembered hand in the back is very distracting to me. May just be me though.

Definitely not just you! Others have pointed that out as well. I need to keep track of rogue appendages next time!

I like this one!

Me too! I just have to remember to not shoot up the nose next time. I think it'd be a winner if that were the case.

First Planned "People" Photoshoot with Girlfriend

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