Sister and Joey

[thirdkid]

Well just really want some input on what i can do better. Used a 17-55mm USM lens with remote trigger flash (430 EXII)

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs330.snc3/29119_397535379032_758974032_4037814_8266323_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs330.snc3/29119_397535374032_758974032_4037813_8054779_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs330.snc3/29119_397535359032_758974032_4037810_1238220_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs339.ash1/29119_397535664032_758974032_4037819_4880745_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs330.snc3/29119_397535679032_758974032_4037821_5504913_n.jpg

[Redal]

Not a bad start
here are a few things i notice straight away,
it looks are if the camera wb was set to awb as her top changes colour , set it to flash for consistant wb for PPing.
You light is to low most look as if you are shoot from below
Her black hair and jacket get lost in the black background, maybe add a hair light or reflector.
Look at getting a shoot through umbrella, and learn to control your light.
Keep an eye on how she poses her hands , in the second image she looks as if she is going to punch you .
Keep practicing and learn what the light does in different positions.

[thirdkid]

Yeah i noticed that too. I couldnt get the hands sitting properly to where the flash wont make the shadow and yeah the flash was just triggered on the ground so the lighting is quite low.

Nice spotting on the 2nd photo.

Just wondering. With portraits, day and/or night, what is a good wb/filter? a warm look or the cold look? I got a little lost on the PP with the temp if it looked better cold or warm

[Redal]

Regarding the WB question, When using my flash i set my camera wb to Flash , so all shots start from the same point when PPing, i find that lighter skin people like the warmer tones, to give them a tan, and dark skinned people look better with little to no wb adjustment.

The wb colour can help convey mood cooler colours general go to sadness , or seperation from things, where warm colours are for happier more brighter things.

[thirdkid]

Just noticed that. Lighter skinned people do look better with warmer tones. Thanks for the tips Redal. Will invest in an umbrella and light stand..

[thirdkid]

Well here are some more. I didnt play with the WB so its all natural flash WB.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs015.snc3/12312_397815219032_758974032_4043933_254048_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs035.snc3/12312_397815224032_758974032_4043934_4044172_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs035.snc3/12312_397815249032_758974032_4043937_6163951_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs035.snc3/12312_397815234032_758974032_4043935_8209199_n.jpg

[Redal]

I think the second shot of Joey is the best, as the others are harsh direct flash , at least with that you are getting some light into the shadows due to the light bouncing off the concrete wall.
Have you tried bouncing the flash off the walls/ celings, instead of straight at the model ?