Im trying to step my portrait game up. Yesterday I practiced shooting portraits, for some reason I find it somewhat challenging. Any help would be appreciated. Heres yesterdays random trip to sf.
This is just my opinion, so take whatever you think is useful. I'm happy you posted them, and I think this is the best way for people to learn. Critiques are really good to improve your photography. I'll say that if you are taking portraits, in my opinion, the most important thing is you need eye contact with the subject. Personally, I don't see any of it in any of the pictures. I'm just going to go over some things to fix on these photos, if you don't mind.
I feel like the background is a bit too busy. I like how the guy is somewhat isolated from the stuff along the floor/wall, but his pose is a bit awkward. It doesn't quite look like he is walking. I'd try to get a more natural walk pose (or have him actually walking). The background is also way to busy for my liking, but thats just me.
This one is nice, but, only after looking at it for a while, I figured out what he was looking at. I would try to figure out what your subject is for this photo. If it is the bird stuff, then focus on that, and blur him more. Otherwise, I feel it is just a little awkward.
-I can't see the dude's eyes because the hat is blocking the light from hitting his face.
-the tall buildings are coming out of the top of the girls head. The biggest thing for my portraits is the background..... the background placement makes or breaks the photo.
This one is better, but because the lady is wearing her had backwards (and you can't see anything else of her face), it looks like he is consoling a friend who is crying in his arms.
best one of the set
Again, I can't see his eyes, but the background placement is better.
I hope all that helps!