My sister

Hey, after another break from photography I'm starting with it again! Finally had time over the Easter hols
This is a photo of my sister taken last week-opinions and advice welcome

edit, forgive my awful photoshopping out (of a picture frame) ; I'm a bit rubbish at it really

Welcome back Sarah

Nice shot - tho I feel it needs a little more breathing room at the top?

Thanks Azz . I agree, it's a bit tight - next time I'll leave more space

I think she looks really uncomfortable and awkward Polo. Its not a very natural stance TBH I would get her to stand slightly side on to the camera and drop her shoulder and chin a little - its much more feminine and will open her eyes much more. To relax your sis try just talking and joking with her and keep snapping..

The lighting isnt bad - i like its softness but its not the most flattering - bring it round to the front more and up. It will give a nicer shadow under her chin

The conversion to black and white is lacking any contrast and is full of mid-tones and no true blacks or whites. Adjust your levels and bring in some contrast - it will make a big difference

I agree that it was a little grey and lacking contrast.
A levels adjustment layer (I'm assuming like DC did) is very easy to do but is a very powerful tool.

Facial expressions make all the difference.
Bazza

Hmm, well she was the one badgering me to take a photo- so it could be hard to get her to change expression, but I know what you mean
It looks so much better with the contrast Daisychains, thanks for showing me that. Thanks for the lighting tips as well, I'll keep those in mind

Guys, is this any better?
Her head has even less breathing space, but I think the lighting is better?
Thanks for commenting x

Expression far far better, gives that hint of "well you never can tell, I can be quite mischievous on occassions, but watch out". Facial looks can make or ruin a technically good photo.
Having only read from portrait photographers, they give the idea to the model to think of something related to the expression they want to achieve.

The first photo looked as if "well here I am now take a photo" type of thing " cause this is how I think I should look and stand". See me being diplomatic.

If I may suggest, try photos with a prop, not stand alone, (try outside leaning against a tree is the classic pose, the model I mean not you even after a few drinks) I think you may well get a more natural look.

Just another quick thought, try using lights even a table/lcandle/window light to produce shadows on the face, may or may not work but worth a try anyway.

But then again this is not my kind of photography so I could be totally wrong.

Bazza

That's more like it Polo

Hope you don't mind, but I did a small edit:



If you want me to take it down just let me know!