Do I take bad portraits?

ThawTar · Jul 10, 2015

I came to this community with the hopes of learning from the experience of its members. To be quite honest, I'm new to photography as a whole. I take mostly street photography, night photography and urban landscape photos. But recently I've been intrigued by the art of portraiture. So last weekend, I did my very first photo-shoot for a "friend" I know on Instagram. Long story short...she didn't seem to like the pictures. So I'm hoping to get feedback from everyone here at DPReview to see what is fundamentally wrong with the pictures and maybe shine a light on why my client didn't like it. Do I take bad portraits? Thanks in advance.

David Wrench · Jul 11, 2015

I don't think these are 'bad'; I'd be very pleased with them. I particularly like the second and third. In the first, the pose and location are really good; some people might think the lighting a bit too uneven. With the last, not everyone will like the background behind her head. Nevertheless, if this is your first serious attempt at portraiture, you should be delighted.

I've no idea why the model, who also seems very good, would not like the pictures. Perhaps she was hoping for something more formal? I can't tell, of course, how you are judging her reaction. I'm not an Instagram user. (Nor am I really a portrait photographer, so don't take my opinion as 'expert'.)

David

DH2000 · Jul 11, 2015

Your pictures are not bad at all. It actually has certain artistic mood that many would find interesting . It, however, may not be in your client's taste.

As a photographer (amature or pro), before you shoot, you need to decide if the images are for your own self expression, or for the pleasure of your clients/friends. You take different approaches accordingly.

Have you asked your friend what kind of photos she was expecting before the shoot? This will help us provide comments and critics on your photos.

--
---------------
DH2
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dh2photography

Michael Thomas Mitchell · Jul 11, 2015

First, to answer your question, these are not "bad". Could they be better? Sure. How? Well, I like your over all vision. But, understandably, you clearly have no command of LIGHTING. The poses, composition, environment, etc. are all fine, but the lighting is not. I would strongly recommend that your next step is about learning how to use LIGHT.

Second, the model dissatisfaction: I'm going to presume that the model is not a proficient photographer herself. If that's the case, you should bear in mind that her comments likely reflect more of how SHE looks rather than the technical quality of the pictures themselves.

If I were you, I would get her to COMMUNICATE with you what she doesn't like about them. She probably won't know any exact details right away, but if you guide her, you'll get the input you need. Very likely, it will have nothing to do with the technical aspects of portrait photographer, and more to do with the more "human" side. It's very possible that the portraits may simply not reflect who she THINKS she is, or what look she wants to portray. That's something that should be worked out with every subject BEFORE THE SHOOT. That's why it's worthwhile to talk to the model and BOTH of you come to an understanding of what the goals are and what look she might enjoy.

drh681 · Jul 11, 2015

You are shooting street style with a pretty girl.

for a portrait you need to concentrate your (the viewer's) attention on the subject not the environment..

also pay attention to how the clothes are fitting.

tony field · Jul 11, 2015

As "portraits", your images are good and stylistically reflect your street and urban landscape background. I think this is a fine contemporary representation.

Portraits styles are varied. They can be traditional studio portraits, outdoor environmental, etc etc. Maybe you should get your friend to show you what she likes in style. Look on the internet

https://www.google.ca/search?q=phot...BJI3GogS9_oLwBA&ved=0CCcQsAQ&biw=1312&bih=962

richiebee · Jul 11, 2015

I think 1, 2 and 4 are gorgeous, regardless of some lighting issues. 3 and 5 have some other issues for me. The light/shadows aren't where they should be on the model which highlights the wrong parts of her in all of them. Number 3 isn't very flattering, and number 5 looks odd compositionally, to me (also, a very personal thing, but I detest pictures of people with dark glasses on - soul comes from the eyes and I always want to see them). I would have rejected 3 and 5.

I like your environmental style very much.

Dylan P · Jul 11, 2015

I like them. 1, 4, and 5 especially. She doesn't owe anyone an explanation but it would be constructive for her to offer it.

ThawTar · Jul 11, 2015

David Wrench said:
I don't think these are 'bad'; I'd be very pleased with them. I particularly like the second and third. In the first, the pose and location are really good; some people might think the lighting a bit too uneven. With the last, not everyone will like the background behind her head. Nevertheless, if this is your first serious attempt at portraiture, you should be delighted.

I've no idea why the model, who also seems very good, would not like the pictures. Perhaps she was hoping for something more formal? I can't tell, of course, how you are judging her reaction. I'm not an Instagram user. (Nor am I really a portrait photographer, so don't take my opinion as 'expert'.)

David

Thank you for the feedback David. I agree with what you said about the lighting on the first one being uneven. We shot around 1:30pm when the sun was high (not by choice). And she had really light skin complexion. I don't have enough experience shooting portraits to even that out.

I am guessing she didn't like the pictures because normally pretty Instagram users like her are over-zealous in posting pictures of themselves. She posted Picture #2 the other day and took it down after 30mins. Then when I posted her picture on MY Instagram she removed the tag I added of her. What's funny is that the picture she DID decided to post as her profile picture on Facebook is MY least favorite from the shoot. So perhaps...there is a difference in expectations.

ThawTar · Jul 11, 2015

DH2000 said:
Your pictures are not bad at all. It actually has certain artistic mood that many would find interesting . It, however, may not be in your client's taste.

As a photographer (amature or pro), before you shoot, you need to decide if the images are for your own self expression, or for the pleasure of your clients/friends. You take different approaches accordingly.

Have you asked your friend what kind of photos she was expecting before the shoot? This will help us provide comments and critics on your photos.

ThawTar · Jul 11, 2015

Michael Thomas Mitchell said:
First, to answer your question, these are not "bad". Could they be better? Sure. How? Well, I like your over all vision. But, understandably, you clearly have no command of LIGHTING. The poses, composition, environment, etc. are all fine, but the lighting is not. I would strongly recommend that your next step is about learning how to use LIGHT.

Second, the model dissatisfaction: I'm going to presume that the model is not a proficient photographer herself. If that's the case, you should bear in mind that her comments likely reflect more of how SHE looks rather than the technical quality of the pictures themselves.

If I were you, I would get her to COMMUNICATE with you what she doesn't like about them. She probably won't know any exact details right away, but if you guide her, you'll get the input you need. Very likely, it will have nothing to do with the technical aspects of portrait photographer, and more to do with the more "human" side. It's very possible that the portraits may simply not reflect who she THINKS she is, or what look she wants to portray. That's something that should be worked out with every subject BEFORE THE SHOOT. That's why it's worthwhile to talk to the model and BOTH of you come to an understanding of what the goals are and what look she might enjoy.

Thank you for such a detailed feedback. And I absolutely agree that I need to work on lighting. I knew better than to shoot at 1:30pm when the sun was at it's highest but this was due to time constraints. But I'm not gonna make any excuses. I really haven't the slightest idea about lighting yet when it comes to portraits.

And yes, I think you also hit the nail on the head with your analysis of the model's dissatisfaction. Because I do urban landscape photography 99% of the time, she probably had no idea what to expect from this shoot. She was probably expecting something rather girly, perhaps in a field of flowers. And instead I took her to a place of steel and iron. lol

I would love to hear what she thinks. But our acquaintance is limited to Instagram. I don't want to seem pushy and make her uncomfortable by asking to give me a critique. But I understand what you're saying. It definitely would help me further understand. As you said, these were things that should've been made clear before the shoot.

ThawTar · Jul 11, 2015

drh681 said:
You are shooting street style with a pretty girl.

for a portrait you need to concentrate your (the viewer's) attention on the subject not the environment..

also pay attention to how the clothes are fitting.

ThawTar · Jul 11, 2015

tony field said:
As "portraits", your images are good and stylistically reflect your street and urban landscape background. I think this is a fine contemporary representation.

Portraits styles are varied. They can be traditional studio portraits, outdoor environmental, etc etc. Maybe you should get your friend to show you what she likes in style. Look on the internet

https://www.google.ca/search?q=phot...BJI3GogS9_oLwBA&ved=0CCcQsAQ&biw=1312&bih=962

ThawTar · Jul 11, 2015

richiebee said:
I think 1, 2 and 4 are gorgeous, regardless of some lighting issues. 3 and 5 have some other issues for me. The light/shadows aren't where they should be on the model which highlights the wrong parts of her in all of them. Number 3 isn't very flattering, and number 5 looks odd compositionally, to me (also, a very personal thing, but I detest pictures of people with dark glasses on - soul comes from the eyes and I always want to see them). I would have rejected 3 and 5.

I like your environmental style very much.

Thank you so much for your feedback. For me, I like 3 because of the intensity in her stare. The pose I'm not too excited about either...which brings me to another topic I need to improve on. For number 5, I am amazed you said what you said. The original picture isn't symmetrical/centered correctly. You can tell by looking at the two base pillars holding up the bridge. I wanted it to look centered so I basically chopped off one side of the pic and dragged that layer over till it gave the illusion of being centered. I see you have a very keen eye.

ThawTar · Jul 11, 2015

J Yohan said:
I like them. 1, 4, and 5 especially. She doesn't owe anyone an explanation but it would be constructive for her to offer it.

I would also love to hear her explanation rather than doing all this guess work. But it is what it is.

Denverwilly · Jul 12, 2015

I think you are including too much extraneous detail.

My advice would be to focus more on the person and less on the environment. Get closer! Crop tighter!

Best wishes and good shooting!

freetiegui · Jul 12, 2015

I don't think so but the way a photographer will analyse an image and the way the subject of the work will view themselves in an image are very different. Especially a woman. Technically and compositionally they seem ok so I think she must be uncomfortable with how she looks, the best thing to do is ask her why.

rxb dc · Jul 12, 2015

I personally like #1 and #4. The model is very pretty and you seem to bring out a certain character which is very nice.

However, as others have said, the key is who is the portrait for? If it is for the subject, then you have to think about what they would like to do with it and how they would feel about it.

The basic issue I think is that your photo has an urban, gritty feel whereas the subject probably wanted a light, bubbly feel.

Some aspects to consider:

the lighting is moody, almost ominous, what one might see in a movie right before the bad guys come. That leaves one with an underlying disquiet.
My experience is that most portraits are better with light, airy, bright mood - imagine your model in a field of flowers.
Composition - in some, what you have is almost an environmental portrait. It succeeds in that regard but if the intent was to highlight the model, you may need tighter composition
You have to touch up the skin, at least a little. At least the zit on the forehead and maybe even soften the freckles a little bit.
she has very nice eyes - a catch light and little brightening would be great
you can do light PP to improve contrast
In most portraits, you are better off with the subject brighter than the background unless you aiming for a high key effect.

Here is some (very quick and dirty) rework of your photo. I hope you don't mind.

--
Safety Warning: Bad taste unmitigated by moderate skill

Paul P K · Jul 12, 2015

ThawTar said:
I came to this community with the hopes of learning from the experience of its members. To be quite honest, I'm new to photography as a whole. I take mostly street photography, night photography and urban landscape photos. But recently I've been intrigued by the art of portraiture. So last weekend, I did my very first photo-shoot for a "friend" I know on Instagram. Long story short...she didn't seem to like the pictures. So I'm hoping to get feedback from everyone here at DPReview to see what is fundamentally wrong with the pictures and maybe shine a light on why my client didn't like it. Do I take bad portraits? Thanks in advance.

Very simple question: if they're portraits, and in particular of, and not in the last place, for the model, why are they shot in landscape mode?

Rather then having the emphasis on the model, there now, maybe with exception of # 5 (which on the other hand with all due respect is kind of a break with the other pictures and could as far as composition is concerned have been shot with a cell phone), is a lot of space surrounding her, taking, probably too much to her liking, attention from the model.

Also, there's all kind of things close by/behind her head (skylight above her head in #1, cast iron pillar and graffiti in #2, yellow sign in #4, bridgepillar coming out of her head in #5) which are too distracting and draw the eye away from her.

Then in the way you shot the pictures, either fully frontal in #1 and #5, or from the side in #2, 3 and 4, you're doing little to flatter her body contour, and, dare I say it, make her seem quite full figured (personally not a problem for me, but not often a young girl wants to see from herself)

And of course you made a mistake with the light in a few shots, with an overall somewhat underexposed face, yet with an almost over exposed, but in any case overly bright nose.

And although a 85mm is a great portrait lens, you when shooting three quarters and/or full outs have to keep a sharp eye on what happens with the back ground. In these pictures you have a lot of line converging very sharply in the background. Maybe a deliberate choice, but again, very distracting as far as the model is concerned as it draws the eye away from her rather then towards her.

So maybe a nice set of pictures for the photographer, but IMO much less for the model.

--
all in a day's work

Galleries by Paul K

www.pbase.com

Nickels · Jul 12, 2015

ThawTar said:
I came to this community with the hopes of learning from the experience of its members. To be quite honest, I'm new to photography as a whole. I take mostly street photography, night photography and urban landscape photos. But recently I've been intrigued by the art of portraiture. So last weekend, I did my very first photo-shoot for a "friend" I know on Instagram. Long story short...she didn't seem to like the pictures. So I'm hoping to get feedback from everyone here at DPReview to see what is fundamentally wrong with the pictures and maybe shine a light on why my client didn't like it. Do I take bad portraits? Thanks in advance.

I don't like the model...she's not interesting,or she's trying too hard. Otherwise,I like the first one.

Do I take bad portraits?

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