Jodie

[Jase555]

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...

[Photopotamus]

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!

[surenj]

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.

[ian.bertram]

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.

[chrisk]

#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.

[Jase555]

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.