[POR] - Train ride portraits

[rokkstar]

I've decided to try to change both the way I take pictures and the way they are presented. I asked Sam to try some "modelling" on the train.

I would appreciate any comments or critique you have on both the image and the presentation.




Cheers

[big pix]

does this mean you are only taking your pix's on trains....... lovley lady and natural pix's........ but the sunnys could have been taken off........

[christiand]

Hi Matt,

I can't really critisize because I'm out of my depth with portraits.
I would like to see more photos and also without the sunnies.

Regards,
CD

[joonha1004]

I love first picture.
natural colour...

but 2nd.. do not neeeeeed sun glasses

I want see her eyes~~~

[Banjo]

rokkstar just wondering what lens, flash you used?

[Onyx]

Tell Sam not to be afraid of smiling.

If you're gunna introduce a frame, I think the middle section should be as thick as the sides (or at least half as thick).

[Glen]

Matt, I like the last. These have a gritty, urban feel about them which works. Would echo the sunnies comment, but I know how hard it is to get a partner to model at all! Even my dog used to hide when I pulled the camera out (until I turned off focus assist).

[wendellt]

the first one has a real 'Givenchy' look to it, with the retro 60's reflections on the bee eye glases, although i like the framing of the 2nd last one

[MCWB]

Matt,

First off, good on you for experimenting! In terms of comments on the image and presentation, I'm not sure technical analysis is what you want, but my biggest comment is to watch your lighting! Most of these photos have nasty down lighting from the train's lights, which gives unflattering shadows, which can be used to effect depending on your intent, but I don't think it works here. Obviously to overcome this you need more fill flash (softboxes are a bit inconvenient for trains ).

image #1 (LHS) works. It's powerful and engaging, and the offset subject gives a contrast between subject and OOF background. Reflections in the sunnies add to the image. Nice, but needs more flash to offset the lighting as discussed above.

image #1 (RHS) doesn't work as well. It's still ok, but in the background my eyes are drawn towards the back by the cascading seats, whereas in the foreground my eyes want to follow Sam's and go to the side. Reflections in the glasses are excellent. Needs more flash.

image #2 (top) doesn't work for a few reasons. Blown out forehead, nose and cheeks. Distracting object on the left (I think it's a girl with dark hair, but it could be a psycho in a balaclava, aint DOF great ) would be better left in focus for this reason. Light directly above her head... hmm, not sure, this could work, but will distract from the subject more of the time than not I'd think. Pose is fine and the geometry of the scene works.

image #2 (bottom) Not bad! The lines in the background (seats and lights) work great here. Balaclavad psycho in the background again. Blown out nose and hair though (or did she get highlights , gg cheap puns).

Anyway I hope I didn't give you more technical than you wanted or needed Matt!

[rokkstar]

Wow, thank you all very much for commenting. I didn't expect all these responses.

I wouldn't say these shots are radically different at all. But I don't usually take shots where the subject is staged and the environment is a key factor to the portrait. I guess that is what I mean by "changing the way I take pictures".

The sunglasses were a bit of a compromise I guess, like Glen says. She hates me pointing the camera at her, and the "anonymity" was the only way I could get some shots.

The lens was the 50mm and the lighting was just available light. The first set was taken when the train was in the open and the second as it was in a tunnel.

I was going for a "gritty, urban feel" which is why I didn't want her to smile.

Trent, thanks for the technical critique, I appreciate that. THese were very opportunistic, taken very quickly, so I know that the lighting leaves a lot to be desired.

Once again, thanks all for taking the time to comment.