My nephews Graduation pictures

This is the first time I have tried graduation portraits. I was trying to use

natural light as the harsh flash just diddnt work well with his complexion

Hey Ronda,

Rather than rating this image, I thought I would leave a comment instead. I get the feeling that this picture is a little... normal? The framing, lighting and cropping are very... safe? I would try moving the subject (the young gentleman) to the left side of the photo and let him look into some empty space on the right side of the photo. I would also try zooming out (or walking backwards with your 100mm lense) and allowing a bit more of the background to be seen as well as the subjects hand in his pocket.

As for flash harshness, I feel your pain... some of my photos look like a nuclear explosion is occuring behind me as I take the photo and the resulting skin tones are not pretty. Perhaps you could try a diffuser+warming gel combination for that?

Either that or choose a background that isnt as harshly lit as the one here.

Just some thoughts, I like photographing people too and have had similar (flash/lighting) problems :)

See ya,

Joshua