First real attempt, C&C appreciated

Midknightc3

I recently picked up a few flashes from a local photographer who is upgrading, and so has begun a whole new learning curve for me. I'v never really used flash before, so it's been a steep learning process but I'm liking what I get for portraiture. A few days ago I talked a friend of mine into putting on something pretty and coming over to model for me. I figured I would start simple and learn the flash, so I just used the 580 EX on camera. I had the diffuser down, but otherwise no light modifiers. I'm rather pleased with my results given the simple setup, but what would everyones far better trained eyes suggest I do in the future?









Thanks!
Clark

Hackbone

#1 is the poorest of the bunch for me. Don't like that bright elbow stabbing me in the eye. The exposure on the bkg and her is actually pretty good so big congrats for that.

#2 is really nice except for that pesky arm up. You have her posed in a very feminine S curve, that is very flattering. Bring that arm down and you've got a superior shot. Again same area so the exposure is great.

#3 like the bokeh and a great hair light using the sun. Her head is angled a little much for my taste. Your exposure is nice but that flash creates very small catch lights in her eye.

#4 Is just a plain old fun shot. Lots of blow highlights but it is a fun shot.

Hope that helps.

divamum

Great first try!

#1 is a keeper if you crop the left hand side; nice shot other than the elbow.

#2 could lose some headroom but has potential

#3 is great - a little close for me (I'd like more below her chin), but overall a nice shot

Keep at it - these are on the right track!

Qarik

The 1st 2 shots are in complete shade. You actually don't need flash at all in these. In fact it will tend to just "flatten" the light. Don't use your flash in this situation. Now shot 3 is different. Your subject is somewhat backlit from the sun so exposing for her skintone on her face might be more difficult..so direct on camera flash is suitable to balance out the light (set it at -3EV TTL, no need to use the diffuser thing). This is called fill flash. You use it in direct or dappled sunlight to lift shadows on your subject. It worked out well in this shot and it is your strongest shot.

The last image...no! just doesn't work.

Midknightc3

Thanks all! This is exactly the kind of advice I was looking for, so hopefully I can get her back over soon so that I can put your advice into action.

D3Sshooter

I Like the two last pictures , with the last one a bit less bright.

1 and 2, are less because of the arm pitt . In the first one the arm and arm pitt are overwhelming the picture. The second one, is very nice, but again the arm pitt and truncated hands and fingers make it less appealing. The model is great.