A discussion forum - and more - for users of Digital Single Lens Reflex cameras.
Couple of portraits...Moderators: Greg B, Nnnnsic, Geoff, Glen, gstark, Moderators
Forum rules
Please note that image critiquing is a matter of give and take: if you post images for critique, and you then expect to receive criticism, then it is also reasonable, fair and appropriate that, in return, you post your critique of the images of other members here as a matter of courtesy. So please do offer your critique of the images of others; your opinion is important, and will help everyone here enjoy their visit to far greater extent. Also please note that, unless you state something to the contrary, other members might attempt to repost your image with their own post processing applied. We see this as an acceptable form of critique, but should you prefer that others not modify your work, this is perfectly ok, and you should state this, either within your post, or within your signature. Images posted here should conform with the general forum guidelines. Image sizes should not exceed 950 pixels along the largest side (height or width) and typically no more than four images per post or thread. Please also ensure that you have a meaningful location included in your profile. Please refer to the FAQ for details of what "meaningful" is.
Previous topic • Next topic
2 posts
• Page 1 of 1
Couple of portraits...
Hey guys
Something totally different for me 
My gf decided she wanted some photos for herself and family, so I pulled out the d200 and decided to give it a go.. 1.  2.
Lighting wasnt great, didnt have much to work with. I used the onboard flash (crime? ) with a homebrew diffuser to soften it, and a small constant halogen to her right.
I know there's a lot to improve, but I guess that will come with time and practice. Tips please guys
Time and practice, like you say, is the key to mastering portraiture.
The on-board flash can be tamed to a certain level, then it can work against you. The on-board can be handy, but you'll get more pleasing light even from a simple SB-600 + SC-28 cable. You can do without the off camera cable, but the SC-28 lets you worry more about composition and light rather than buggering around seeing that the wireless remote flash is going to work. If you've got a bit more to spend, the SB-800 + the nicer SC-29 is a great informal portraiture combination. I splurged a bit more for the SC-29 (when it was very hard to source for a bit, and looked like they weren't going to make it anymore) and haven't turned back. I use this combo for event photography, and I'm very pleased with the results. My method is to hold the camera and shoot right handed, with the flash in the left hand attached to the camera with the SC-28/29. It prevents that flash-straight-on look, softens the light, and can give the subject more dimension. Wendell (member: wendelt) here uses the same combo for some of his stuff, combined with a snoot for some stunning results. back to the shots... one of the easiest ways to improve the result is to increase the distance between the subject and the background. This will soften the edge of the light as it falls away, resulting in a less obvious shadow behind the subject. It'll also give more options in working DOF, so that you'll be able to stop down a bit more while still giving you some background separation, and still giving you a pleasing background blur. An example of highlight to shadow diffusion is take a desk lamp on your desk, and hold your hand out flat near the surface of the desk. Look at the edge of the shadow formed on the backdrop, aka the desk (sharp). Now hold your hand closer to the lamp (the lamp imitating a flash) - the shadow is more diffused on the desk now that the subject to background distance has increased. If you want a quick way to get pleasing light happening, and with simple kit, check out Strobist Blog and the associated Flickr Group. You'll pick up some great ideas, highly recommended!
Previous topic • Next topic
2 posts
• Page 1 of 1
|
