Testing my "reflexes"

[alaios]

Dear all,
this my third post in this forum. I started photography two years ago and I am trying to improve my skills in photography. The set I am presenting today it was shot with a small digital camera with no hot shoe (and not flash external unit). Since I am trying to always find a "main theme" for my exercises this work can go under the title

"Shooting with available light when using one small head reflector".
This forum is for advanced critique and I can still see that I do not have the skills and the level of most of you but if I want to progress I need to go out and try to understand how bad I am (that can turn a great motivation for me).

This time I would be commenting directly on my shots so you can see how my "reflexes" work and comment on both the shot and what I feel about it. At the same time I would try to see what I have to pick up for delivering to my "client" (there is no real client in this example but mostly I want to see how good I can do in such task).

If you still do not see what I am doing here is that I am doing an "exercise" and going back to the pros to get my grade.

Ready?

#1

I like the eye contact but his face has a bit the "what the f?ck feeling"... I am not sure though if I should deliver it to the customer. Customer might like it though as it as it can also have a bit funny interpretation.



#2

Hm... the lights on the background compete with attention with my subject. I also do not like is undefined neck line... I guess though that a customer might still want to have this shot to his list.


#3

I like the natural expressions shots and this was the time my subject has started laughing after feeling awkard after some time. To be honest, even that the face does not show its best this shot should be delivered to the "customer".



#4

What I like in this shot, is that reveals something of the person's character. He is a thinker in his real life.. This is of the times I can not comment more in one of my shots..


#5

I like the mood.. I am not sure when it works the subject to not have lens contact and when it works. Your take? I would keep it though in my delivery list to the "customer". I think this is the best shot in this set.



#6

I like that my subject looks at ease but I am not sure though if I should have pushed it for eye contact... I think I was afraid to loose this calm feeling when I would ask my subject to look at my lens.



#7

I like the eye contact.. That photo should be delivered to the customer... The jaw line bothers me but anyway..




#8

What about side shooting a face? I am not sure when this looks good or not. To be honest I like this shot but I also "see" that there is room for improvement. I am not sure though how.... Tough one




#9

Different clothing different look.. Again I have the same problem as above. I like the shot.. I see it can be improved I do not know though where to go



#10

Hm... I think in this one there is not much separation between my subject and the background... Again same problem as above.


That is it for now. Feel free to give harsh critique
Alex