Instructor Insights: Analysis of a Portrait

This picture was taken in the late afternoon, and the lighting was very soft. This, more than any other issue, is critical. Soft light is complimentary to everyone. Harsh shadows from a mid-day sun are the worst way to photograph a person. If you really hate someone, take a picture of him or her at high noon and make a large print as a gift. You'll get the revenge you've been hoping for in seeing their expression as they painfully come to the conclusion that ugly is forever!

It's easy to see a photo, and like it - to know it's good. It's harder to evaluate what makes a good photo, find what was done right in the details.

For our photography to improve, we need to be able to critique our own work in a similar manner to the article - analysing what's right about the image so you can repeat that success, as well as what's not quite perfect so you can watch out for it, and get it right in the future.

Technorati Tags: digital, photography, portrait, tips