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Golden hour, enhanced by gold reflector, for some golden light... too much gold?

Welcome aboard, a very gusty move to post images for your first post.

I like the concept of the first image, but there is something that is not quite right about it. The LHS is a bit too bright and I cannot help but try to look for a point of interest in it. (I have a similar problem in one of my recent posts). Also the model looks a bit too forced in the smile, with a combination of dark makeup and possibly a bit of shadow reducing the impact of her eye contact.

The second image is a lot nicer, but could be improved by having more of an even background of long grass rather than road. There is less of a golden hue in this one, but a variation of a golden backlight (setting sun) matched with gelled fill flash would also improve this image to create that gold look that you have done well with in the first.

In what can be difficult conditions with fast changing light you have done very well, much better than I could have I would imagine.

Cheers
Cameron

Hello.. great first post.. where are you btw?

The second image is my pick as I have to agree with Cameron on his comments re the first.. I think I would have prefered it if the model was looking at the camera though... still its lovely and sharp and the light is just gorgeous!

Welcome Richard.

Of the two my preference is towards #2. A couple of points, I agree with Sue on the eyes in #2. Either directly at the camera or to her left (i.e. in profile).

Now I’m going to be picky. The foreground in #2 is excellent, the background, awful. To eliminate the crash barriers would improve this photo 100%. On another note, the black of the swimming(?) costume would have been better in white or a pale pastel colour. The reasoning, to emphasise the face more.

To have posted pics on your first post is very commendable

sirhc55 wrote:To have posted pics on your first post is very commendable

and it only took 2 1/2 years to do it

Geoff M wrote:

sirhc55 wrote:To have posted pics on your first post is very commendable

and it only took 2 1/2 years to do it

Hmm, my maths says 18 months!

tommyg wrote:

Geoff M wrote:

sirhc55 wrote:To have posted pics on your first post is very commendable

and it only took 2 1/2 years to do it

Hmm, my maths says 18 months!

I did not get much sleep last night!

I like the second image.
The glare in first isn't doing it for me.

I'm not keen on the outfit though. It seems out of place to me with the 'country' surroundings.

Thanks everyone, will definitely go back and try with a model again, will watch out for the armco!!

I think its great that some find the strong gold light good, while others not so much.

I think the second one. However, the first one
could be a background in a brochure.