My first shoot

[clarionite]

I shot my first photo shoot with someone other than family that is

I'm brand new at this, so all constructive comments would be greatly appreciated.

[R_Fredrick_Smith]

All three have basic lighting problems. You need to use a reflector or fill flash to add light to the eyes. #1 is by far the best shot as far as pose and composition, but is weakened due to the absence of any "eye sparkle".

Re: My first shoot 

cheers,
rfs

[cifcap]

Nice shots and I like the first two, but I agree with adding some lighting contrast. They also seem a little bit soft, but that could be my eyes. At least you had a pretty girl in front of your lens. Hopefully she'll come back and you can practice the craft!

JW

[Soujrnr]

Yup, I like #1 the best. They all have good points for sure but I also agree that more light is needed in the eyes. She's beautiful! Perhaps you'll work with her again and share some more with us.

Good day!

Mike

[PhotosbyChuck]

You can improve the lighting in all of your photos with a levels adjustment. You have virtually no data on the right of the histogram, so you'll lose almost no detail.

Of course, you'll want to shoot for the catchlights, but they are easy to add in PS too ... so you can put them in if you'd like to compare side-by-side.

Please note, PS doesn't eliminate the need for good lighting. I'm just suggesting that you can improve the photo significantly without reshooting. That will also provide you with an idea what you're lighting to achieve next time.

[clarionite]

I'll try working with a reflector next time. Thanks for replying.

[clarionite]

Thanks. She is indeed easy on the eyes. She's agreed to work with me on another shoot. I'll be working in B&W under a bridge next time, so lighting will be that much more important.

[clarionite]

Thanks Chuck,

I'm working with Bibble. I'll have to check PS out.

Marty

[PhotosbyChuck]

I'm sure Bibble can handle the levels adjustment for you. I'm not sure if it allows you to add highlights easily (it might just be a processing tool). Maybe someone else that uses it can offer advice there.

Personally, I think composition is one of the bigger challenges when it comes to creating an image. You've got very good composition in that first shot.

[Bonner]

I see you are shooting at ISO 100. Your 40D can handle 500 or 600 easily. This will give you a faster shutter speed if you are hand holding and open up the shadows if you give your shots a little more exposure.