Leif

Blue · Leif

This is a portrait of my son that I took today. The lighting is just natural light coming in from a window, plus an overhead bulb directly above him. I just tacked up a white sheet behind him. This was my first attempt at doing a "portrait," and it was loads of fun! Smile

Evolution104

I really like this. I enjoy portraits that bring out the true person. Leif seems to be having a ball Smilie_PDT

Focus is pin sharp and I like the variation in lighting.

Great portrait Smilie_PDT

To step up to the next level you need a fill flash or reflector. His left side (the viewer's right) is in deep shadow. There are times when doing this is intentional and adds to the composition, but in most cases, it detracts from the photo.

For starters, the camera's built in flash may work OK. If you become serious about it, then there are more advanced flash units, reflectors and studio lighting available.

I'm not a studio/portrait photographer, so I'll leave it at that. There are others here who have far more experience than I with this and can give you good advice if you want to give it a try.

Blue

Thanks for this critique and advice. You are right- I liked the dramatic shadowing on his left side, but it is a bit too deep. I tried using my camera's built-in flash, but that was crap. Totally flat. I think I'm going to look into getting one of those reflectors soon (so much photography gear to buy, so little money Crying or Very sad

)

hil26

Blue

hope you don't mind, but had a very quick play, think with a bit more time could get back some of the shadows which my "chop" has diminished. Got to go with evo though on the reflector, wouldn't like to see all the shadow gone, just lightened a bit

think the next time you go for a session, think about ironing out the backdrop - LOL -

creators

Got to agree with everything John (Evo) and Dave have said. It's a great shot! On the subject of reflectors, there are so many things you can use, sheets, whiteboards, polystyrene blocks, and this is something I have lying around which is incredibly useful, silver faced polystyrene insulation stuff, which you can drape over things or have free standing.

Blue

Hmmm- I wonder if I could rig up a reflector of some sort with tinfoil and cardboard? (This is turning into poor-white-trash photography 101, LOL). I'm guessing a mirror would be too much reflection. Plain white cardboard with tinfoil on one side, for two different levels of intensity? I am going to play around with this today, and post the results (in case anyone cares Rolling Eyes

).

- and hey- I kind of liked the wrinkly backround, LOL. I thought it added some visual interest. No? Just laziness and wishful thinking, perhaps Laughing

.

creators

The tin foil on cardboard should work perfectly. Poor-white-trash photography 101? Join the club. That stuff I use was scrounged off my brother.

I agree about the wrinkly background, works perfectly, sorry Dave.

Simonzphotoz

great shot, great lighting, although i do agree with what the others have said to.
I do agree with dave, the photo's about Leif, not the background. good work though.

micro-leah.

as i looked through your site this one caught my eye and i though it has alot of potential, i also agree with the rest of these guys and think the backdrop is a shame but its a lovely shot of your son