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Annie3410 · 01-07-2014, 10:35 PM

I am just getting familiar with manual shooting using my new K-30. I only have a month or so under my belt, but have a great little one to take lots of pictures of. This pic was taken with an old M 50mm f2.0 that i picked up off ebay to play with. I have a DA 50mm 1.8 on the way since i have enjoyed the prime (but manual) lens so much more than the kit lenses. The pic is pretty shadowy, but i like it nonetheless. Tips for improvement?

Adam · 01-07-2014, 10:43 PM

Not seeing the pic!

Annie3410 · 01-07-2014, 10:52 PM - **1 Like**

How bout this?

Annie3410 · 01-07-2014, 10:57 PM

This one has better lightening and color, i think, but doesn't seem as powerful. Thoughts?

Kozlok · 01-08-2014, 09:22 AM

Shadows are more dramatic in the first one, and the expression is better, it's really just better all around.

Gregory_51 · 01-11-2014, 11:35 AM

Hi
The first one has much more impact. Eye contact and dramatic lighting help. The contrast is high due to the light source which you already noted has made the shadow side quite dark. I would rework the pp to lighten the shadow side a bit and tone down the highlit side. My choice would be to consider a monochrome which would be more compatible with the dramatic lighting. I did a quick edit to show what I mean and posted it here.
alternate edit of photo by Arnie4010 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
Just my 2 cents.
Regards
Greg

wildman · 01-11-2014, 09:46 PM

It was not really a low key shot so it was hard to bring out the right eye - it unbalanced exposure of the eyes which are so important in a portrait. A true low key shot would look more like the last pic where you go for more drama and impact.
If it was me I would have moved a bit to the girls left and avoid casting the right eye into shadow. That's assuming the girl is still looking straight into the lens.

Last edited by wildman; 01-21-2014 at 03:21 AM.

01-07-2014, 10:35 PM	#1
Annie3410 New Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 6	Beginner needing some pointers Lens: SMC-M 50mm F2.0 Camera: Pentax K-30 ISO: 200 Shutter Speed: 1/150s Aperture: F2 I am just getting familiar with manual shooting using my new K-30. I only have a month or so under my belt, but have a great little one to take lots of pictures of. This pic was taken with an old M 50mm f2.0 that i picked up off ebay to play with. I have a DA 50mm 1.8 on the way since i have enjoyed the prime (but manual) lens so much more than the kit lenses. The pic is pretty shadowy, but i like it nonetheless. Tips for improvement?

01-07-2014, 10:43 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,609	Not seeing the pic! Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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01-07-2014, 10:52 PM - 1 Like	#3
Annie3410 New Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 6 Original Poster	How bout this?

01-07-2014, 10:57 PM	#4
Annie3410 New Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 6 Original Poster	This one has better lightening and color, i think, but doesn't seem as powerful. Thoughts?

01-08-2014, 09:22 AM	#5
Kozlok Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Albuquerque Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,148	Shadows are more dramatic in the first one, and the expression is better, it's really just better all around.

01-11-2014, 11:35 AM	#6
Gregory_51 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: London, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 343	Hi The first one has much more impact. Eye contact and dramatic lighting help. The contrast is high due to the light source which you already noted has made the shadow side quite dark. I would rework the pp to lighten the shadow side a bit and tone down the highlit side. My choice would be to consider a monochrome which would be more compatible with the dramatic lighting. I did a quick edit to show what I mean and posted it here. alternate edit of photo by Arnie4010 \| Flickr - Photo Sharing! Just my 2 cents. Regards Greg

01-11-2014, 09:46 PM	#7
wildman Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Flyover America Posts: 4,469	It was not really a low key shot so it was hard to bring out the right eye - it unbalanced exposure of the eyes which are so important in a portrait. A true low key shot would look more like the last pic where you go for more drama and impact. If it was me I would have moved a bit to the girls left and avoid casting the right eye into shadow. That's assuming the girl is still looking straight into the lens. Last edited by wildman; 01-21-2014 at 03:21 AM.

Abstract Beginner needing some pointers

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