Portrait photographer skills and photo critique

[Ethan Rambeck]

Hi everybody!

I have been practicing my portrait photography skills, and was wondering what sets apart a great portrait photographer from an average one. Also, thoughts on this photo, specifically what could I have done better. It has been edited in Apple photos.

Thanks
Ethan

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[Lydia B]

Hey there @erambeck! Great topic to bring up!

What sets apart a great portrait photographer from an average one.

Hmm good question, I’m sure you could get a lot of opinions on that! 🙂 I feel like I have to think a little bit more about this one, but my first thought is that a great portrait photographer would have a good understanding of their camera and composition, and know how to utilize that to capture genuine expression well.

Thoughts on this photo, specifically what could I have done better.

What I like about this photo:
• It’s simple – you have a clear subject and a simple background (although, more on that under “what I don’t like” 🙂 )
• The expression of the girl is real; she doesn’t look stiff or uncomfortable
• Unique pose with her looking back over her shoulder

What I don’t like about this photo:
• Distractions in background: cracks in pavement, edge of driveway cuts across her neck
• Not much depth
• Blurry/ Not tack sharp

What I would change:
• Look for a nicer background – something that would be enjoyable to look at
• Watch out for things like hair getting a little messy through the course of a shoot. Take a moment to ask her to fix her hair if it’s become windlown, or straighten clothes out if they’ve become wrinkled, or other things like that.
• I love golden hour (hour after sunrise or hour before sunset), it can add lovely natural lighting to the subject.

Hope that helps a little bit! Let me know if you’d like elaboration on any of that. 🙂

Keep working at it, Ethan! Portrait photography can be incredibly rewarding!

[Ethan Rambeck]

Thanks Lydia!

I didn’t notice that the pavement line cut right though her neck before, thats defiantly something I will look out for in the future. And now that you mention it I really don’t like the lack of depth. The picture probably seems blurry because I downsized it more then then I needed to. oops!

[James Staddon]

Welcome to the forums, @erambeck!

I think of a great portrait photographer as one who can naturally pull out the personality of a subject and showcase it in an artistic way to the viewer. A second-nature understanding of camera equipment, composition and body language are integral to helping a photographer intentionally interact with their subjects in such a way to accomplish these goals.

My initial impression of this photo is that your subject was out on an evening jog and happened to look over at a photographer standing by the side of the road. Whether this is the “personality” and “artistic expression” that was intended or not, that’s how I interpreted the elements that were presented.

[Author]

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