Jason...

[Iguanasan]

I don't do many portraits and I was out with one of my photowalk friends today and he let me take this shot. I want to get some feedback on it. I see at least one thing I think I've screwed up but I would appreciate others' feedback.

[Mad Aussie]

The most glaring thing is the heavy shadows. Some fill flash would have been very helpful.

He has an antenna sticking out of his shoulder.

You went for a full portrait but then cut off his shoe.

With that angle of light, the camera angle you chose was a difficult one to work with. COmposition wise I like it with the boards leading us in and the main rail he's sitting on leading us away again.
Perhaps not having him look at the camera might have worked better here? Having him look to HIS left might have made better use of that light angle from the sun.

You might have been better (exposure/light wise) if you didn't have a flash, to walk a few paces to YOUR right though.

Dodge up his face and you'll save this to some degree I think.

[Marko]

Not a bad casual portrait at all.....'cept for one main thing...

Big time fill flash or reflector needed here. Scene also looks just a bit too blue.

Hope that helps - Marko

[kat]

Pretty much summed up what I see.

I do like the pose..to me..that is the hardest part.

[Iguanasan]

Thanks! I don't do portraits much but I'd like to get better so this feedback is great. One of my biggest problems was that I was rushing. I didn't want to inconvenience him so I fired too fast and didn't think about it. I need to get faster so I don't have to think about it. That's mistake #1. 9, 999 more to go!

[kat]

I'm the same way Iggy. I always worry how they are doing as I'm fumbling about with the camera..but then I know..if I just slow down..make a funny remark or comment on something and relax the situation it does help.

I also, with the summer sun like that..always have the flash set for fill light and prepped for in case. Although tonight I'm off to look for reflectors (not hand made ones I tend to ruin) and hopefully that will help!

Keep on practicing..only way we get better! Look forward to seeing you do more and more..it's not easy. Very out of my comfort zone but so pleasing once I get a great one!