Attempt at Hi Key Portrait

Spooks · #1 (**permalink**) 19-07-2008, 10:18

Photographers Comments
As you know, I dont do portraits... LOL not sure why - but this was one I took of the missus while on holiday the other month, and as you can see Ive been trying Hi Key out.

Would really like some c&c on this, plus any pointers info etc.

Cheers Peeps!

Serious Critique Required: The photographer has requested he/she would like a more serious level of critique for this image to obtain more constructive critiscism from other members. Please make sure the comments you leave are indeed constructive and aim to help the photographer see the image from a different perspective and/or provide help and guidance to how the image can be improved.

**Eos1nrs** · #2 (**permalink**) 19-07-2008, 20:12

Hey Mark

The thing with High Key is as long as you can retain definition for the edges and details such as the eyes, nose and mouth then its down to the individual as to how high to take the skin to white...
High Key also lends itself better to colour rather than mono as the colours get really vibrant and punchy
As for your shot, lots of detail kept in the hair and you can still see the edge of her face so well done there!! I'd prob burn the lips and nose a tad more but everything else looks fine..from a portrait point of view, the hair over the eyes is the only thing that really stands out
The angle of her head is good and eye contact is good too..

Spooks · #3 (**permalink**) 20-07-2008, 07:55

Thank you kindly young sir for taking the time to have a looksee at this image - I really do appreciate it and your comments/helpful advice.

I have re-edited the shot, burning slightly around the nose and mouth to bring out the features a little more as you suggested.

As for the hair over the eye - in one way I like it like that - but in another it would have been nice to have both eyes "scolding" me lol, if you know what I mean. Am definetly going to try more portrait shots I think.

After staring at this image for a while, I happened to notice the shine on her nose just so happens to look like a communicator from Star Trek!!!! Is it actually there, or are these high dosage pain killers I on really making me see things!!!! LOL

Once again, a real big thanks for your help

Tco · #4 (**permalink**) 20-07-2008, 12:32

Totally agree with Donkey boy mate.
Are you asking for crits on the post work or the actual pic?

Hints for outdoor portraits should include some pointers on light. Bright sunny days are a real problem for loads of reasons mate. Squinting, high contrast, hotspots etc... Overcast conditions are favored by me personally and earlier or later in the day. Even though the day may be overcast the light is still directional. If I am doing outdoor people work I will pop a little piece of card folded in two into my pocket. I use this to determine the direction of the light when shooting on really overcast days. Hold it up with the fold running top to bottom and the bend toward you. You'll soon see which side is brighter. Then position your model(s) accordingly.

I like the post work on this one mate. You should do more

Spooks · #5 (**permalink**) 20-07-2008, 13:14

Fanx u TCO: Yus was after overall c&c doesn't matter which area - its something new to me and am open to any info possible - what you've written above is great advice and will be taken in on board. Will practice doing various lighting scenarios as you say to see what works best.

Thanks for the complement on the post work, fella - I was just playing around with the image yesterday and ended up with this one - will try and post some more.

Again thanks for your input, mate

xp1 · #6 (**permalink**) 20-07-2008, 15:33

Like your other post I feel I cannot comment constructively. However This has inspired me to try some of my own work similar to this. Really like it keep it up mate.
Cheers