Post Your Best Portrait Shots!

[Steve U]

Hi Nick, very impressive series, particularly like the second and third shots, lighting spot on and poses a little bit different.
I would like a little more grit or shadow in the B&W, perhaps even a vignette. It is a clean, clinical shot with flawless models, but the subject matter screams B&W. There is a slight amount of introduced shadow from the hat and the light positioning, but I would have made it more grainy, a little darker, but that probably says more about me.
Great show of your versatility and skill, can't wait to see your next set.

[bob williams]

Nick, as others have said---nice set. I agree with steve regarding a little more "grit" in the B&W. Also, in the first image of the redhead girl, there seems to be some kind of blue shadowing around her head shoulder and legs, like maybe you cloned something out or some other processing issue, not really sure, but definitely noticable on my monitor. Does anyone else see this, or do I need to go shopping again?

[bob williams]

FYI, for all of you interested in portraiture. Here is a short (1 hr and 53 minute) tutorial by Joel Grimes who does a lot of those gritty, contrasty and dramatic portraits of atheletes, musicians etc---plus he does a bunch of other stuff. He also has some other good video's on youtube and some detailed tutorials for sale on his website. ALthough he does portraits, there is a lot of good info to be had when watching his videos.

http://youtu.be/Z8m3bm6hC74

[conropl]

Nick, as others have said---nice set. I agree with steve regarding a little more "grit" in the B&W. Also, in the first image of the redhead girl, there seems to be some kind of blue shadowing around her head shoulder and legs, like maybe you cloned something out or some other processing issue, not really sure, but definitely noticable on my monitor. Does anyone else see this, or do I need to go shopping again?

In the first one, there is some gray around the feet, head, and little strip between her behind and the left edge of the frame. It looks like artifacts left from processing. The top one screams for a little vignetting. Other than that, I think you did a great job on these (#2 & 3 are my favorites).

[nvitalephotography]

thanks for the feedback everyone

Bob...I do see that on this computer...I did the post work on a different monitor that apparently did not show that as well. I apparently did a rather poor job making the background more even colored. looks like I need to work on a better monitor

Steve, I actually did do another shot in B&W and processed it like what you describe

[Steve U]

A still from a movie Nick, or a movie poster, that's gritty.

[bob williams]

Most of you know that I don't do portraits, but I finally decided to try my hand at with my new grandson.

Maddox; 3 months old and already a football fan

7d, 50 1.2, ISO 100, F8, 1/250, canon 580 exII and 430 ex
softbox left, fill light on the right bounced off the wall
The original images had two catchlights in each eye---I didn't think about that when setting up. Also, fixing them wasn't as easy as I though because the cathclight crossed from the iris into the pupil which compounded the fix.

Comments and critiques are welcome

[ddt0725]

Most of you know that I don't do portraits, but I finally decided to try my hand at with my new grandson.

Maddox; 3 months old and already a football fan

7d, 50 1.2, ISO 100, F8, 1/250, canon 580 exII and 430 ex
softbox left, fill light on the right bounced off the wall
The original images had two catchlights in each eye---I didn't think about that when setting up. Also, fixing them wasn't as easy as I though because the cathclight crossed from the iris into the pupil which compounded the fix.

Comments and critiques are welcome

I forgot to ask you, Bob ...what size softbox do you have? I am think maybe at some point getting a larger one. My someday wishlist!

[bob williams]

I forgot to ask you, Bob ...what size softbox do you have? I am think maybe at some point getting a larger one. My someday wishlist!

DD, I used the Westcott medium Apollo which I think is 28x28---Just the right size for single or small family portraits, but for larger groups I think you would probably need a larger one, or put 2 or 3 speedlights in a medium and move it back a ways.

[Steve U]

Not much else to say, except I really like it Bob. Great portrait of the little bloke.
Did you have to set up any feeders?