The Morning Light

Trying out a new outside the window technique with a Speedlight. I

hate to ruin it, but this was shot at about 12am EST.

Even though I don't jump for portraits, I've found this one interesting, especially the soft light on the subject's face. What do you think about the cropped version? Regards, Mihai.

I will leave all the technical suggestions to those that know what they are doing. As far as the subject: I like the soft lines...nothing agressive here. The model has unique and interesting facial features (and a beautiful long neck- well shown here) but her hand looks a bit akward. Ideally I would have liked to see a bit more expression on her face (curiosity, worry, amusement, suprise...so on). Overall I like this picture. I think it is the best one in your portfolio.

Also, I took the liberty to play a bit and turn this photo in a portrait (as I really think she has great features). I hope you don't mind.

Cropped and adjusted.

I am glad that you all like it. I did enjoy some of the cropped versions. The model happens to be my wife! We were sitting in the living room one night, and I was thinking out loud, about the window and a flash. She said that she wanted to try it out, so she went and put on a little make-up and we made some pictures. My intent was to have the window in the picture to see if people could tell if it was sunlight or not. So far a good many people have not caught that it was a 430EX on a stand with an umbrella. I was trying to use the blinds as a gobo, but it didn't work. This will be redone for a hopefully more dramatic B/W. By the way, she is showing expression. This is her sad look.

Thanks to all,

B

Brandon-

I like your orginal just fine. In fact, I like it much more than the other modified versions uploaded by others to this post. You had me fooled with using a 430EX... I never thought twice that it wasn't ambient light and the blinds add some needed dynamism, somehow providing some closure to the composition and balancing out the negative space around the model's (your wife, I understand) head. I also agree with Diana that the model has some lovely features, very classical. One small critique; it would be nice if the shadow behind the nose were not so deep. To me, it seems a little harsh compared to the soft quality of the rest of the image. Other than that, a nice melancholic capture. :)

Cheers,

Erik

If the blinds had worked the way that I was envisioning, then the shadow would not be so deep. You are right though Eric, it makes her look like some sort of fruit is growing out of her face. I will be re-shooting after she has our second daughter Trinity. Right now she finds it hard to stand for long periods of time. Thanks for pointing out the shadows, I had missed it at first.

Brandon.