This is new for me

[Kawarthabob]

I havn't had a lot of opportunities to do portraits so this is really new for me. I converted them to b&w as they look nicer ( to me anyways). I had to bump the iso way up as well as the exposure ( i was experimenting with natural light). Feel free to make any suggestions of how I could make myself better for the next time! This woman in the photo's is the one who makes me laugh and puts a smile on my face.

[Ernst-Ulrich Schafer]

No offense, but if your wanting to do portrait work you need to think good portrait work. Take some time, think about what your doing, consider proper posing, clothing, camera height, proper lighting, etc. etc.

[Mad Aussie]

She has that mischievous look about her too Bob

I'll move this to Critiques seeing as you've outright asked for suggestions.

Ernst is harsh but he is correct, and if you look at his work, you know you are getting advice from someone VERY good at portraits. One of the best I've seen here at ph.ca for sure.

I wouldn't call myself a master portrait taker by here's my take on it ...
If natural light is strong enough it's a great resource, if it's too weak, it's a hindrance for sure. If you have to move that chair closer to the window to get more light then do it.
You need the light if you want to improve the focus.

Sharpness in the eyes is so important.

The shadows you have should be intended as should be every element in the shot.

There's nothing random about a good portrait. Everything should be placed where you want it.

Framing or cropping afterward is also important. Cutting someone off across the knees for instance looks bad.

I'd suggest putting some time aside with your lady and taking a single portrait. You may need several or dozens of shots to get that one shot. Know what pose and where you will place her. Make her the one and only subject of the shot. Don't stand/sit her too close to the wall or tree etc so the DOF isolates her more, low f-stop number will help with that too.

Know what the shot will be before you start then go after it until you get it.

[Marko]

Shot 2 is the strongest shot here because the eyes are sharp, the exposure is decent and there's some interaction with the viewer. The other 2 shots, lack sharpness (always focus on the eyes) and good exposure.

Where and how the shadows fall is also very important in portraiture. Direct flash is harsh and produces heavy shadows. This is especially true when the subject is very close to the background.

Keep on at it and don't get discouraged, a few tricks under your belt and it gets much easier.

[Ernst-Ulrich Schafer]

Yes, I was alittle harsh, but this is what is needed at times. It seems like we all see that lst image everyday, it's normal and it's what the masses are use to seeing. Does that make it a good exceptable portrait? Have we forgotten what good portraiture really looks like?

I hopefully would never say anything to discourage ya, it takes alot of practice and learning to learn good portrait work. I would recommend just using window light, doorway light and a reflector (anything that would push light into the shadowed side). Consider what your after and what your subject might want. Avoid that on camera flash, tape it down, just do not use it for now. If you can use a tripod, the more you use it the easier it becomes.

[Matt K.]

I agree with all of what has been said here so far. Kinda held back for my worth, but here it is:

I find that posture in a portrait is of utmost importance. It can smooth out wrinkles, it can flatten bellies and it will make it easier for the subject to move in differnt directions when asked to do so. Sitting on a couch is the worst place for portraiture imho, since it tends to allow people to slouch back.

I remember my dad's studio: three stacking stools of differnt heights, to accomodate different body heights and to arrange group photos. He also had a grey painted box, behind which subjects would stand. Then he could use the box and decorate it with all sorts of paraphanelia in order to suggest a location. Since people were standing behind the box, only the upper torso would be visible. Again the standing position allows for easy rotation of shoulders and head.

Another trick my dad told me is to not have the subjects look directly into the lens, but rather over your shoulder. Not sure why, but is works for my portraits, and I have not found it to be a negative thing.

Anyway, those would be my comments.

[Kawarthabob]

All very great tips! Thank You! I will take that into consideration for the next time.