First I took this photo of her in a restaurant with available light which I am quite happy with.

Then I tested out another one using flash with umbrella (shoot through) with a reflector bouncing up the light, I realize I should have put a hairlight as well, but I am quite happy with it else.

Please comment any ideas for further improvement.

Cheers Bard

Hi "Bard",

I am not a favourite of Portrait Photography, hence rarely post on this subject, but since you asked for comments and with the absence of a member or two, may I comment.

The first photo look to me like a natural Thai Girl without a care in the world, enjoying and being smug, unkempt hair and with a "here's looking at you " look. I like that.

The background a shade to bright, colours are off a bit, but nice capture.

The second photo, not natural enough for me, but the photo does have that extra bit of colour and style about it, with the background gone.

Both are good in their own way.

Yours truly,

Kan Win

What kind of camera? Nice shots.

Used a Canon 450D with an EFS 17-55 f/2.8 in the first capture and an EF 85 f/1.8 lens in the second, second I also used a Nikon SB26 flash shooting through an white umbrella with radio trigger and black collapsable background. She was not really in the mood in the second one, and I believe I should have used hairlight as well, first one I just took in a restaurant where she was in the mood with a crappy background.

Thanks Kan Win that made a lot of sense, appreciate the input which is something I need to improve.

Cheers Bard

2 Good shots Bard, I like them both.

I also like the unkempt look, very natural.

I prefer the second shot.

The reflection of the windows in the eyes in the first is distracting.

both very good...... a tighter crop removing the shoulders would be an improvement

perhaps a bit of airbrushing for the wrinkles on the eyes 2nd shot otherwise good IMHO