So what do you think of (model) Alicia ?

[IeraseU]

Hey guys, here is one shot from my model shoot today. What do you guys think? I was hoping for a bit more clouds to give the photo definition, but maybe I'll go out another time and hope for 'cloudy weather'

Click for Alicia

Edit: After the valid flash critique below, I processed a 2nd sample with a bit lower exposure on the model, here it is

Sample 1.5

 

[Aharami]

i think flash is too strong. makes it look like shot was taken in studio and superimposed on a sunset background. Also I'm not feeling her "stick the chest out" pose. But she's good lookin

 

[blurredvision]

Originally posted by: Aharami
i think flash is too strong. makes it look like shot was taken in studio and superimposed on a sunset background. Also I'm not feeling her "stick the chest out" pose. But she's good lookin

Agreed on all counts. I don't care much for her makeup, either, but to each his own.

 

[IeraseU]

Thanks, the flash is a valid criticism, it does look a bit like cardboard background......although since I always shoot RAW, I think I could tone that down a bit in post-processing and take care of it. Here's another quickie:

Sample 2

 

[jpeyton]

It's hard to get a natural looking photo when you're working against natural light and only using your camera flash. It really needs a more professional lighting setup from multiple angles to turn out great.

 

[IeraseU]

Ideally I would have used a reflector, but since I have no assistant I used 2 external flashes instead, and did the best I could with that particular setup.

 

[virtuamike]

Originally posted by: jpeyton
It's hard to get a natural looking photo when you're working against natural light and only using your camera flash. It really needs a more professional lighting setup from multiple angles to turn out great.

Strobist

You don't need professional gear to get results

 

[virtuamike]

Originally posted by: IeraseU
Ideally I would have used a reflector, but since I have no assistant I used 2 external flashes instead, and did the best I could with that particular setup.

Think about the light that you already have and work around it. You have a dramatic sunset behind her. Everything is draped in shadow. It'd look a lot more fitting if you controlled your light and made it sharp and precise rather than pulling back and trying to light evenly. Strong falloff and high contrast lighting would've looked more seamless.

 

[Bowfinger]

I ilke the overall composition and setting, and you have a pretty model. What lens were you using? I get the impression it was a normal to maybe even wide, and you were pretty close to your model (photos 1 and 1.5). Her figure seems slightly distorted, with her chest disproportionately enlarged due to proximity to the camera. I'd suggest experimenting with longer lenses on your next shoot, see how you like the results. That might also help with the "cardboard background" effect.

You might also try different color swimsuits next time, something in a red/orange/yellow hue to match the tone of the rest of the picture. Don't know which would look better, matching tones or the contrast of the blue.

Nice work.

 

[IeraseU]

Thanks, the lens was a 17-55DX. I also had a 70-200VR which I used for tight shots and portraits. Next time I will take the advise and back away with the telephoto lens and see how that looks in comparison to getting close with a wide/normal zoom.