Beginner portraits

[FM1981]

here's a picture I took of my son last year when I first started using DSLR with 50mm, it's one of my first attempts. Below is a more recent attempt (last week).



I just wanted to know if I am improving? Any advice.

[HDNitehawk]

Welcome to the forum;

I don't think any one can tell you that by just looking at two photo's. Although your son seems to be improving his camera technique in the bottom picture.

[FM1981]

should I post more?

[Kombi]

Looking at just the 2 pictures I personally think you have improved.
your second image focuses on the subject, nicer composition.

- I almost never take pictures of people but some advice can be applied to all subjects

You chopped off part of your sons head, I think your second image could have been improve by stepping back just a bit getting his whole head in the shot and maybe his one elbow.

Try and compose your pictures with the 'story' you want to tell with your picture. If the background isn't part of the same story you don't really want to see it.


I think your lighting in both captures the mood nicely
the first looks gray almost sad like he did something he shouldn't have..

the second brighter colours and warmer tones you can tell he is smiling behind his camera.

Welcome to the forums and thank you fro sharing.

[Kombi]

should I post more?

A couple more samples would help

[FM1981]

^ thank you

The first shot was actually shot near a sliding door. That day it was raining and he wanted to go outside and couldn't.

The second shot was taking last week again near a sliding door very sunny and hot day. Actually too sunny and hot and he couldn't go outside again haha.

[FM1981]

[FM1981]

on the older pictures I was using more of the AV setting on my Canon D60. The newer ones I've used manual setting. I just wanted to know if the composition and lighting were ok. Is there anything I can do to enhance them?

[HDNitehawk]

I do have one comment, the bathtub shot seems a bit hot. AWB, auto white balance on canon cameras sometimes isn't the best in low light indoors. If you shoot in RAW format (which you probably should) you can adjust the temperature.

[FM1981]

just wondering what temperature do you think would make the picture better?