This is my first attempt at a conceptual shot. Still getting the feel of my camera. Would appreciate any input on technique, concept, composition, etc.

[OrenMc]

Idea okay, background not so much.

[krypticide]

Haha, fun, but the lighting is a bit uninteresting to me. Looks like on-camera flash. When done properly (e.g. Terry Richardson), on-camera flash looks great, but here it doesn't seem to work so well.

[cupic]

A dark background and it will lift the shot well


cheers

[Mallee Boy]

Hi David,
This sort of thing is very tricky inmho, I have never had the courage to tackle it.
By tricky I mean it can either work, be very sensual, sexy etc.....or just plain tacky.
For me, this shot just doesnt work.....it could be, but misses out with composition and lighting. For example, the backs of anyones knees is not exactly riveting stuff....again, only in my humble opinion.

Have a look at work by Devisor or Codiac they turn out some good stuff, with a lot of attention to detail in lighting, dof and composition.

But full marks to you for at least having a go and asking the question.
Cheers
Grant

[Ash]

Nice try.
I agree with Grant here.
Lighting's the biggest challenge that makes or breaks a photo.
Your attempt succeeds IMO in idea but fails in lighting and background.
For such conceptual shots, especially, images should consist of a bold subject (which you have), lit appropriately and a non-intrusive or distracting background.

[davidstone]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I'm curious, how can you tell I used the on-camera flash?

[Ash]

Actually, it's pretty obvious once you've seen what off-camera flash produces in contrast.
Axial on camera flash produces flat features, providing little texture to the subject matter, combined with unsightly harsh shadows behind the subject...

First thing to do from here, IMO, is to learn the art of bounce flash photography, then delve into off-camera flash/lighting. The Strobist blog is a great resource in this regard.

[krypticide]

On-camera flash isn't always bad, but it definitely needs help from styling and post process work. If you upped the contrast on your shot and dodged/burned various areas, I bet you could get something decent.

[Nowhere Matt]

I think many of us agree that the lighting and couch background detract from the image. Maybe have her point her feet inward a little more, soften or move the light and change background.
I think you are having some fun with it though so please continue.

[davidstone]

Thanks for the input. Very much appreciated. I'm learning as much as I can about lighting for the moment. Hopefully there's a cheap way to get lighting done!