Winter light portrait comments appreciated

[ozimax]

Was out taking a little walk thisarv' and took a few off the cuff photos of my beloved better half (she's always concerned that the hair's not done etc etc) but the light is beautiful at the moment.

I'm not greatly into portraits as such and would appreciate any helpful comments fro the D70 sage's out there in D70 land!

Max





Funnily enough they look a tad soft on the CRT monitor but sharp on the LCD???

[BBJ]

Hey Max, i am no expert at this as u know but do u have a flash as in SB800, if so maybe that is what i would have used on the first pic of the better looking 1/2 as fill flash. Just a thought but then you was capturing the light that was avaiable so yeh maybe let someone who knows better but looks good anyhow.
Cheers

[ozimax]

No, just onboard flash, when the funds are there I am going to purchase a SB800, I think that will make a world of difference.

I do have the use of a studio for portraits from a friend of mine, the lighting is excellent there and I think I'll be able to improve a heap but until the flash comes along, I will just use sunlight!

Max

[BBJ]

Ok mate well even if you are close to subject try using the on board flash as i have used it at a wedding once and didnt do a bad job, give it a try who knows might help with the shadows.

[bobrob]

must use fill flash and angle the better half to reduce squinting - 2ndshot b/ground is too busy - both out of focus - sorry
bobrob

[Glen]

Not really fair to ask your better half to look into the sun, mate. That shot might work better looking away from the sun and using fill flash or a bit of exposure compensation

[joolz]

What I'd suggest is trying as the others say - turn her away from the sun slightlly and use either fill flash, or (if you can be bothered carrying it and can manage holding it whilst taking the photo) a reflector to lighten the shadows. The advantage of a reflector is that you make use of the ambient light's warmth and have a consistent colour temperature. With flash, you sometimes can have a lot of difficulties with the mixed lighting and it is overtly obvious that a cooler (white) flash has been used.
However, using a reflector certainly removes the spontanaiety.

[ozimax]

Not really fair to ask your better half to look into the sun, mate. That shot might work better looking away from the sun and using fill flash or a bit of exposure compensation

\

Sorry Glen, but she would rather look into the sun that at me!

Actually, Robyn wasn't looking into the sun at all and I did use onboard flash, it's just that she squints at the best of times, anywhere! This is about as far opened as her eyes ever get for photos. Told you I was ugly!

I'm not really comfortable with the portrait stuff yet, will have to take some more shots I guess.

Max