Portrait Photography

[squidgeyem]

I'm generally really new to all kinds of photography, here's some portrait photography i've attempted, can i please have some pointers, they are all straight off my camera.

Thanks

Em
1. This is my mum, taken on Christmas day
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2420/2294183136_b2f375b6e1_b.jpg

2. I think the light is distracting on this, but i've no idea how to remove it from the frame!
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2232/2294180222_1c548519b5_b.jpg

3. This is my Dad n My dog
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2394/2294177636_76ba0fd8b0_b.jpg

Please give me some pointers and so on :D

[InaGlo]

Any chance you can resize these to the forum limit of 800px on the longest side, or I can break the image tags & leave the links, (whichever you prefer).
Ta! :thumbs:

Your mom reminds me of the actress Alison Steadman! :D

The exposure is good but youve not shot from a very flattering position, notice how the picture seems to be more about her neck & chest than her face, and you can sort of see up her nose?
Its also straight on (square shoulders to the camera) which is rarely flattering, and little a bit passport-looking.
Personally, I'd tidy the bg too if the pic were mine.

#2, again a nice exposure, and once again (& this is my personal opinion) youve shot from too low a vantage point for this kind of portrait.
The background is easy to improve, either by fully replacing, or by using the clone tool in PS if you have it.


The shot of your dad is a nice casual portrait (that a lot of us seem to get of dads!) much better imo, as youre on the same level. You have good eye-contact and a nice angle with the position of his shoulders.