First proper photoshoot on location with a model!

peterattheboro · 11 Jul 2009 at 17:49

So my friend agreed to do some posing for me as she's done modelling in the past. She didn't mind sitting there whilst I figured out how to use a bloody flash!

She's a fantastic model and the magazine pout just comes naturally to her

C&C would be very much appreciated.

2Thumbs · 11 Jul 2009 at 17:56

Last one's my favorite.

The other three seem quite 'samey', for the lack of a better word.

What I'd recommend for next time is, don't be afraid to get close to your subject (if you're using a telephoto zoom lens, even better as it gives the model room to relax). Getting close makes the shot more intimate, personal and adds some sparkle.

Where you using a difuser/bounce on the flashgun?

peterattheboro · 11 Jul 2009 at 18:01

2Thumbs said:
Where you using a difuser/bounce on the flashgun?

Cheers.

Nah haven't got one yet. Haven't had a flash all that long and just getting used to using it.

Well, I was using the drop down built in diffuser occasionally.

-TA- · 11 Jul 2009 at 18:20

Get the flash off camera! makes a world of difference!

4T5 · 11 Jul 2009 at 18:29

First one is quite striking but it lacks something which all the others lack to, Sorry. I think may be you have concentrated to much on the face.

Just a Lookers opinion.

RIZZEE · 11 Jul 2009 at 18:47

last ones my favourite, the lighting really looks good
nice work

Sparx · 11 Jul 2009 at 20:34

Prefer the bottom one, has better lighting and more of a defined sense of depth..

The rest just seem like.. 'pictures'.. ?

The Mad Rapper · 12 Jul 2009 at 10:51

She's very cute.

Something is missing as others have said. Look at 'The Lovely Helen' thread a few pages down and you'll note the differences.

I don't think you are a million miles away though, the first one is my favourite

dirtybeatfreak · 12 Jul 2009 at 18:44

i agree with previous comments,think what is letting the shots down are the shadows/lighting, they are very harsh. an example would be in the first shot the shadows of her body are very black and solid.

john_s · 12 Jul 2009 at 23:34

-TA- said:
Get the flash off camera! makes a world of difference!

Indeed... time to go Strobist.

ScarySquirrel · 14 Jul 2009 at 14:25

Ok I am by no means an expert having only done 2 portrait shoots myself but I would definitely agree with getting the flash off the camera. It can be done extremely cheaply as well with Cactus radio triggers, I believe the most recent version are the Cactus V4. They are cheap, shipped from Hong Kong, and might be temperamental, but for me they have been faultless *touch wood*

I really think this would help.

Head on over to the strobist blogspot and read up on off camera flash photography. Remember that you are effectively controlling two exposures, the ambient exposure and the flash exposure. It really is amazing how much control you get over your photos using off camera flash shooting in manual and controlling the flash manually as well.