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Todd Bennett
{K:-583} 5/15/2007
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Hi Lydia,
I guess sometimes we can manage to make a nice portrait without showing the eyes but to me in most cases I think being able to actually see both eyes very clearly is an important part of a good portrait. I think the eyes should be reasonably well lit and not hidden in the shadows because of poor lighting. You really don't need fancy lighting or even a flash or reflector to make fairly nice portraits. With the exception of maybe a couple of my portrait type photos here all of my photos have been taken in natural light without flash or reflectors. In a lot of cases I probably could have done a better job if I had someone to hold a reflector for me but this could also be a distraction and maybe even scare off my potential models. Most of my portraits are of complete strangers I've met while walking in the street. I usually don't even speak their language so this can be a bit of a drawback as well.
When I shoot portraits I'm always looking for distractions such as something in the background, harsh shadows, hair across the face or eyes or anything of that nature. If all that is ok you really only need good light, good composition and whatever expression that you find interesting to photograph. Always pay close attention to the light and the shadows produced by the light. You don't want a person's eyes hidden in the shadows and you don't want their eyes closed because they're squinting from staring into the sun. If you just walk completely around a person and get them to look at you as you're walking around them you will quickly see which side has the nicest light. I'm certainly not that great at lighting and I'm also not good at writing but I hope that what I have written will help you a little. I like shooting portraits but it's not easy to make really good portraits. You really have to pay attention to all the little details. Good luck with your future portraits.
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Lydia Nel
{K:3579} 5/14/2007
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Nitpick is fine by me, Todd - that's why I've been virtually pleading for reaction to this image. Looking at your portfolio, it is quite obvious that you know what you're talking about - thank you very much indeed - your critique has helped a lot - I love the effect of the crop.
As far as the eyes are concerned - as I mention in my intro, I realize that eyes are essential, (for instance your own "She's so sweet" doesn't really show the eyes either) - I thought it might be allowed under certain circumstances, but I understand what you are getting at - appreciate your input tremendously.
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Todd Bennett
{K:-583} 5/14/2007
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Hi Lydia,
I don't really like to critique photos harshly but I don't believe in telling someone a photo is fantastic when it isn't.
The first thing I don't really lie about this photo is that we really can't see the girls eyes very well. We can see one eye and maybe the edge of the other eye. This does not appear to be a natural and comfortable pose or position that this young girl is holding. Her face is not in focus. The focus appears to be on her neck, shoulder and clothing.
The overexposed areas in the background at the top of the photo are very distracting. Also the crutch or chairback under her arm is distracting.
Dispite all this it's still a cute photo of her. If you posed her a little differently and paid a lot more attention to the background and other details in the photo this could have been a lot better photo. Even if you got rid of this frame and cropped the photo a little differently you could improve it greatly. Sorry to nickpick so much but I'm just giving my honest opinion.
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I cropped the photo and adjusted it slightly in PS. |
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Lydia Nel
{K:3579} 5/1/2007
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Thanx, Albert - much appreciated!
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Albert Jacobs
{K:9527} 5/1/2007
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Wooooww Lydia,
Fabulous and very natural portrait !
Beautiful how you caught the expression of her. Great moment and nice sharpness. Compliments !
Friendly greetz,
Albert Jacobs  :)
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Lydia Nel
{K:3579} 4/30/2007
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Hi Hilton thanks a stack for your comments - I uploaded another "portrait" today - if you could have a look, I would appreciate it tremendously.
Regards
Lydia
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hdw Photography
{K:6630} 4/28/2007
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Lydia, that B/W shot of "Aiden"...my grandson in my pictures, got a Platinum 2 nights ago and just missed picture of the month at our camera club..... and all the judges I know...when it comes to animals and portraits....the first they look at is the sharpness (focus) on the eyes and that already determines the fate of the picture.
Please email me at hdw@worldonline.co.za as I have E books for you.Best wishes and enjoy the rest of the long weekend.
Hilton :)
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hdw Photography
{K:6630} 4/28/2007
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Lovely shot and gives us as viewer wondering what this girl is thinking about.Doing portraits and even animal close ups.....golden rule Lydia is to get the eyes in FOCUS......focus on the eyes and also to try and get a reflection of light ...(be it flash or natural light) and believe me....I learnt this lesson from the judges at the club and have had many pictures getting only a Silver instead of Golds.
Nicely captured and hand in there....we will all get there one day.....lol.
Wishes Hilton
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Lydia Nel
{K:3579} 4/27/2007
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Thank you ever so much, Doyle - much appreciated.
Will give my frames a thought too!
Regards
Lydia
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Doyle D. Chastain
{K:101119} 4/27/2007
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Lydia . . . tough person who "can take it"! Why would you, first of all, think this doesn't make the grade? It's a great shot!! Wonderful . . . something to take pride in!! Here is my personal opinion . . .
First . . . how cute! She's adorable. The expression is natural . . . not posed or fake. The DOF is great. Tones are awesome.
On the negative side . . . I think (and I'm not one to talk) that the frame is distracting and unnecessary. Great images don't need fancy framework. Struggling images use them to distract from lesser quality. A 1 or 2 mm black frame would (again, IMO) be MUCH better . . . since the image is the star, not the presentation.
Lydia . . . you're a good photographer. Be confident!! You don't need both eyes to convey a feel or an emotion. You prove that here. Watch your BG and trust yourself. Never question your work . . . others will do that for you!!
This is impressive!
Regards,
Doyle I <~~~~~
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Lydia Nel
{K:3579} 4/20/2007
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Thanx a stack, John - I was wondering about this shot - does it matter that her eyes are not all that prominent, that her left eye is obscured altogether? Of course, eyes are important, I realize that, but I thought the image as a whole portrayed a certain atmosphere of detachment - a child deep in thought, totally unaware of the camera - that it would strike viewers as a portrayal of just that.
Or am I mistaken altogether?
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John Hatz
{K:156973} 4/19/2007
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Very nice, mostly the pose, very normal, not fake smiles etc, very good.
cheers!
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