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my gf Jo was kind enough to let me practice a new area of photography... and let me post some tasteful examples... even tho I had busted the most suitable lens and only had the 70 and some dodgy natural light... hence most shots were at iso1600...

looking for some C/C, never tried this before, obv some others that she wouldn't let me post, but she is happy with these...

Jase,

I'm a self-confessed newb too... So here's my $0.02.

Number 1 - Is too far out of focus (or perhaps the focus is somewhere other than the face?). I also think that ISO 1600 is too high for this.

Number 2 - Not sure what the aim for this one is. Again, lack of focus / focal point..?

Number 3 - Better, but the light in the background is distracting. The black stocking sort of interrupts the flow. I think if you get the opportunity to reshoot, you might try a different pose or angle. Perhaps we should both legs?

Number 4 - I think this is the best of the lot. till, I'd like to see more color, or a fully B&W process. There seems to be a hint of colour in her face..?

For what it's worth, I think 70mm is a legit focal length for portraits. In fact have a look at some of the Newtown shots @ 85mm. Congrats on the opporortunity to explore "boudoir" poses. There is a whole world of possibility!

These are great for your first attempt indeed. You are lucky to have a willing subject who will let you have another go.

I think photopotamus has given you some great critique.

Technicalities aside,

I quite like the first pose. perhaps try to get more light in to the area that you want to emphasise. [I feel that you could have used that lamp to focus the light]

The third pose is also very good. Perhaps more light on the facial expression.

I don't like the last one with the blotchy pink on the face. If you trying to evoke vulnerarability, that does come through, but the colors are just off putting.

Hi, and well done. There';s nothing like trying something new to stretch you boundaries a little.
I agree with all the comments above. I think that numbers 1 and 3 are the best shots. I'd maybe try shooting with a tripod so you can increase your depth of field (or maybe also switching to a prime 50mm 1.8- they're cheap and sharp). That way your could focus on the face but still get some of the body sharp. Number 3 is also good, but I'd try to shoot without the lamp in shot as it's a little distracting. Low light shooting is a real art form- when you've got it sorted out tell me how.

#1 is imo, not just good, its absolutely superb. i freakin love it. that shot is made for a large canvas.
#2 is a little too abstract for my tastes but i like the tones
#3 that light needed to be on her face or upper body
#4...not sure what to say about this one. i don't quite get it.

Thanks for the comments and feedback guys. Rooz, #1 is my favourite as well. I was going for a spontaneous 'getting ready' or candid type high/low key shot. Out of focus was deliberate but maybe a touch over done. I'm happy with this one nonetheless.

Agreed number 2 has no real focus, again going for some funky lighting tones, and liked the silhouette of her hair, this is cropped from a full body silhouette that works much better, but that shot was rejected for public view lol....

Number 3 I have a few variations of. I deliberately chose a version with low-light on her face and the stocking on the lamp, however will have a play and upload another to get opinions on.

I'll also upload a retouched version of #4. You're right Surenj, I was trying to provoke a bit of vulnerability, but the desat was rushed and I can see blotches and deathly skin near the shoulders... I think the full colour may work, it has warmer tones and a different feel.