Your photos 48

Your photos (48)

Take Better Photos

Hints and tips
by Philip Grosset

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with comments from Philip Grosset

"Hello, I bought a Nikon FM around April of this year, totally manual and my first real camera. I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and have taken a particular liking to b&w film. I then use the photos to practice handtinting. I am getting some requests for portrait work but I have no idea if I am ready to seriously pursue photography. All of the b&w submitted are taken with the intention of handpainting a portion of the picture (ie. the baby would be left uncolored except for the flowers). The color photo was taken of my brother, just as I was about to shoot the dog decided to join in. I would love some critique on these portraits and whether or not you think I should wait to pursue the business side of this new hobby? Thank you for your honest and proffessional opinion." (Heather Carroll, Alberta, Canada)

Both of these photos are really attractively composed. Although in theory it is usually better to avoid a brick wall behind a portrait, this one on the left recedes into the distance, communicating a feeling of depth, and works fine. I like the picture of the girl on the right too, although perhaps it mught have been even better if her left foot had been clear of the grass. But I'm not sure about the focusing in either shot. Focus on the eyes of the subject as this is the most important part to get really sharp.

This is a fine photo. It is absolutely pin sharp and most attractively set out. I can imagine how effective this might be when the flowers are colored in.

A bold dramatic picture, much improved by the accidental inclusion of the dog!
I think you probably could sell some portraits, especially if they were really attractively hand tinted. This might make them something quite special. Start with people you know, and build up an impressive portfolio to show to future clients.

Reply from Heather Carroll: "Hi Philip, Thank you so much for your honest evaluation. I can see how an improvement can be made on the girl on the bank just by your comments. It may not have come through clearly on the scanner but the top pic on the left does have sharp eyes. This is a great service you offer, thank you for your encouragement. I have attached the final tinted picture of the girl against the brick wall."

I think this is a very attractive and original picture. Well done!

"This is my first attempt at photography. The pictures included were taken with a Minolta 450SI with a Vivitar 28 to 210 lens using 800 speed (for the barn photo) and 400 speed Kodak film (for the flowers). I would appreciate any comments about my photographs. Thanking you in advance for all input!!" (Doris Leach, Satsuma, Al USA)

Your photo (on the left) is dramatic and colorful, and the colors are well brought out by the dark background. Perhaps it would have been even more impressive, though, if you'd come in for a really bold close-up, as on the right.

I've done just the same thing here. Come in a bit closer, as on the right, and the result is more eye-catching, with nothing to distract from the main point of interest. But both your flower pictures are very good for a first attempt!

This is the photo for which you used ISO 800 film - not really a good idea because there is such loss of definition compared with the photos above (which show how comparatively grain-free ISO 400 film can now be). Also, you really need to get in much closer for a really effective picture of the old barn, so that we can see what it is about it that really interests you.

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