First post here - technically these may not exactly be perfect, they are certainly not studio shots! There are all done with natural light. The second photo could probably do with a bit of highlight adjustment to bring back some of the detail lost in her jacket (it was a shiny rain coat that reflected light), and the picture of my little brother is a "gimmick shot", but there you have it!
I hate to bump my own thread, but I'd be very interested in any possible C&C.
I realize the 3rd photo is too dark now, viewing it at work on a CRT was much different then at home on my LED backlit MacBook Pro, plus I printed a 5x7 to test and found it extremly dark. You still can grasp the general idea of the composite. Also the slight highlight on my middle finger on the right edge is very distracting and must go in my humble opinion.
I'm really currious if I just enjoy the photos because they are of my sister/brother, or because they are of a cute kid, or if they are generally pleasing to others as well.
I guess I could ask specific questions that perhaps will help give some direction:
1)Is the messy hair a "no no" in the first and second photo? I am drawn to the face (eyes and lips in particular) in the first 2 photos, but again I fear I may be baised and if I make myself look around more I think the hair could be distracting perhaps? As is in the first photo I added a slight blur to some of the hair as it was the point of focus and was distracting to me.
2) The crop of the second photo, is it too much?
edit: and by "too much" I mean to slanted/angled.
1. i really like the BW conversion you used here. the photo itself is a bit on the boring side...she has a sweet expression, but i think i need the eyes in this one to make it a 'keeper'.
2. do not like the tilting. i think its a bit much here and really detracts from the photo. i also do not care for sepia (but that is a personal taste).
3. interesting concept, but the composition of the photo is lacking. where is the thumb? too much stuff in the background. maybe shot too tight?
good efforts! i would definately do a reshoot with the girl!
I agree with you on all of your points, and to be honest am relieved that (at least!) they weren't totally displeasing to you. Over the years I've taken a lot of photos for a newspaper where the artistic value of a photo is not really what I'm worried about, and a lot of photos of family/friends. I think I've done myself a diservice in a way because I think I focus too much on who it is I'm seeing, ("it's my beautiful little sister!") and not nearly enough on composition, lighting quality, white balance, etc. Believe it or not I have a TON of experience (at least a thousand photos a week on average, normally 5-7 events of all types) but have not really improved much since I became interested in photography 5 or so years ago.
Anyway, she is a beautiful little girl and a wonderfully kind little girl as well - I'm very proud to have her in the family - there are a few more photos of her from thanksgiving at my (brand new!) website (http://gallery.shoelessphotography.com)
Thanks again!
Edited by shoeless on Dec 05, 2007 at 07:28 PM GMT
Edited by shoeless on Dec 05, 2007 at 07:32 PM GMT
I agree with camerino, and yes, if that focus was on the eyes (not sure where it is) and that little girl was looking up at the camera, that would be perfect
- there are a few more photos of her from thanksgiving at my (brand new!) website (