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[Sufida]

I have been taking pictures for awhile, but only in the past two years have I become more serious about it. Normally I don't openly ask for criticism, but i'm going to give it a go with this post.

Here are some random pictures i've done in the past in order of most recent to oldest.

http://fav.me/d3bmfxc

http://fav.me/d3anfsa

http://fav.me/d35vzxs

http://fav.me/d2z3mug

http://fav.me/d2vnlp0

http://fav.me/d2oiiqu

http://fav.me/d2h0cp3

and for the fun of it a non cosplay photo from my last shoot
http://fav.me/d3b80ko

I am (hopefully) getting a new camera and lens soon so I am interested in outside opinions on what i've done so far with what I have.

[Rander]

Hmm, are there 1 or 2 pictures that you would like specific feedback on? It's easier to give feedback if the audience can focus on one or two pictures.

[Sufida]

Hhhhmm... In that case the most recent top and the oldest bottom cosplay picture

[Rander]

Shawn Con: Knives
What I like: the scarf adds nice contrast, the railings add an interesting sightline that brings us into the pictures and then up and out, the picture has good overall sharpness. I like the diagonal lines caused by the railings and the scarf.

What could be improved: I think with the tilt you wanted to add visual interest, but Knives is already off center if the shot was straight vertically. So in essence by tilting her, you put her right smack in the center of the picture (rule of thirds). So if you had shot her straight vertically she would have been off center and you still could have brought the scarf for a diagonal interest. The last thing I would try is to add directional lighting through off camera flash or a flashlight. She’s lit evenly which is nice, but interesting light adds interesting shadows

Winter Shoot '09:Tsubasa
What I like: I like this picture more than the one of Knives. The models are sharp and there is some bokeh and the reflections off the water is nice. I like the contrast between the two: the color of the costumes, the way each person is facing, the difference in height, and how each person is lighted differently. The composition is weighted towards one side and you did not leave a ton of headroom.

What could be improved: Overall I think it’s a good pic. I would maybe have the model in black and red turn just a touch more to the camera and use a larger aperture to get better bokeh. But these are minor

[Sufida]

Originally Posted by Rander

Shawn Con: Knives
What I like: the scarf adds nice contrast, the railings add an interesting sightline that brings us into the pictures and then up and out, the picture has good overall sharpness. I like the diagonal lines caused by the railings and the scarf.

What could be improved: I think with the tilt you wanted to add visual interest, but Knives is already off center if the shot was straight vertically. So in essence by tilting her, you put her right smack in the center of the picture (rule of thirds). So if you had shot her straight vertically she would have been off center and you still could have brought the scarf for a diagonal interest. The last thing I would try is to add directional lighting through off camera flash or a flashlight. She’s lit evenly which is nice, but interesting light adds interesting shadows

hm I have this shot in a few other angles, but this one caught my attention the most. I'll go back and look at the others again and see if they match more of what you are saying.

As far as the light there wasn't much I can do since I shot in 50mm in a very narrow environment and I did not have much in regards to external lighting outside of my flash. A flash light would not be a bad idea for the future...

[winterwish]

these are not bad for a start. I see you have a understanding of bokeh artistically.

your tight shots (buggy, lamp) are really good.

you need to work on your full body in terms of framing - think more of the composition - those dont pop for me.

in terms of exposure, they are dialed in well.

hope that helps.

[Sufida]

Originally Posted by winterwish

these are not bad for a start. I see you have a understanding of bokeh artistically.

your tight shots (buggy, lamp) are really good.

you need to work on your full body in terms of framing - think more of the composition - those dont pop for me.

in terms of exposure, they are dialed in well.

hope that helps.

Thanks for the critique and I do agree my tight shots are my strength as I feel these allow me to be more intimate and since I use a fixed lens most of the times they are easier.

Not that it is the best in the world though I do like my Rider shot even if it is not your forte.

However do you have any suggestions or examples of some stand out full body shots?

[winterwish]

one of techniques I use is to get the subject as far away from the background to create a blur/"3D" look. it's subtle but it makes all the difference and your viewers notice it subconsciously and think it will look better.

I'll critique the first and the last out of the batch

All your photos are really enjoyable to see! Very vibrant colors and interesting facial features. for the first one I really like how the model sticks out in the white staircase location. Her pose is awesome and I love her facial expression. The edit is good. But I'd be interesting to see a darker more mysterious edit just because that's what I read from model's expression and outfit. Maybe a slight grunge technique.

The last photo (tsubasa) is also good! I like the candid and that they aren't centered. The water could be more vibrant and the pose could be improved. Just because they're backs are turned slightly awkward. But I love the picture itself.

Good job on your photography!