With my daughter's first communion approaching we're in the dress decision phase, I used this as a test run to try to figure out how I want to shoot this. These were shot this indoor, near a window, which is my plan for the day of as well. Just looking for some feedback as I struggle with posing. I do plan to use a reflector to try to get more light to the far side of the face next time.
Both shot on Nikon D800, 85mm 1.8G. ISO560, f2.8, 1/125s
1
I like the 2nd one better. the 1st has chin up just a wee bit more than I prefer. Also try to throw in some natural poses, just interact and talk with her have her look off to the side of the camera or at something other than the camera ... example leave her shoulders like they are now and then have her look over her left shoulder aka camera right direction and just have fun with it. have a nice mixed session of poses and candids.
#2 is better. Camera level is closer to eye level. Broad lighting is OK, though you might try short lighting. Have her turn just a little more towards the camera to get the far eye out of the corner. Try a couple with her elbow slightly bent.
These are very nice as is, just a little tweaking could make them even better! I know you're proud of her!
#2 has a nicer background. Note the strip of white bottom right - just a minor nit, though.
Next time try to get the hands in the photo too and a full length shot. You should be taking lots of different views, different expressions etc. Film is cheap these days! Delete the ones you don't like.
I do these for our church. I hope you will consider a little more solemn pose. My subjects are second grade children, not sure how old your daughter is here. The expression in the second would be better for my clients. For me the way the hand is gripping at the elbow looks a little stiff and perhaps out of place for the occasion. There is a certain requirement by my clients to maintain the innocence of the kids in my captures.
Douglas
It's interesting. I normally go for short lighting over broad lighting on almost everything. But given this situation, what she's wearing, and her lovely face, I think the broad lighting works quite nicely. I do think you should try this shot one time from the opposite side to look at it with short lighting.
I do agree with the others on pose 2 over 1. Great job! Can't wait to see the real deal!
douter wrote:
I hope you will consider a little more solemn pose. ...There is a certain requirement by my clients to maintain the innocence of the kids in my captures.
Douglas
Vcook - both of these are lovely poses and certainly appropriate for other portrait sessions but I agree with Douglas. Respectfully, as a very Catholic father myself, I would work toward something less aware, less sophisticated, more pious, more unassuming, if you will.
Her cutting her eyes - again, great look but unless there's some context that makes it a natural part of her humble ceremony, it just puts it into a different vibe than your precious daughter receiving this holy sacrament for the first time.
A higher camera angle will also work nicely for some shots... the raising eyes to God, and so on.
Thanks everyone for the candid feedback, exactly what I was looking for!
douter wrote:
... not sure how old your daughter is here...
7 years old, second grade.
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andyjh wrote:
I'd like to see her turned a little more directly to the camera. Not like she's needing to look slimmed down.
This dress needs to be taken in on the top, she's very tall and as such we usually have to go up in size to fit her but then the body is too big. The side profile helped hide the fact that alterations are needed, after that I'll for sure try a more direct pose.
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nolaguy wrote:
Vcook - both of these are lovely poses and certainly appropriate for other portrait sessions but I agree with Douglas. Respectfully, as a very Catholic father myself, I would work toward something less aware, less sophisticated, more pious, more unassuming, if you will.
Her cutting her eyes - again, great look but unless there's some context that makes it a natural part of her humble ceremony, it just puts it into a different vibe than your precious daughter receiving this holy sacrament for the first time.
A higher camera angle will also work nicely for some shots... the raising eyes to God, and so on.
Regards,
Chuck ...Show more →
I appreciate this feedback, I should have been more clear. I'll be taking pictures in the church with a more pious feel for sure, though I'm not sure how much opportunity I'll have. My understanding is there will be a photographer there, hopefully he's good. Outside of church I plan to treat this like the sacrament of marriage which is to say I'm not going to miss an opportunity to take pictures when all dressed up
I do like the higher camera angle/eyes up suggestion, that's something I should be able to try at home without it being clear that we're not in church.
just to close the loop on this. The big day finally came and like all family events it was a total rush all day and I had maybe 5 minutes to actually grab some shots at home before the ceremony. I tried to take all the suggestions into account and this is some of what I got.
I had all sorts of plans, had it all worked out in my head. Then reality hit on scheduling and I banged out what I could in 5 minutes. Raising kids is an exciting challenge always.
I think you did a wonderful bit of photography here! Perhaps a little odd crop on the third, I would have liked to seen her hands holding the bouquet.
Douglas
douter wrote:
I think you did a wonderful bit of photography here! Perhaps a little odd crop on the third, I would have liked to seen her hands holding the bouquet.
Douglas
With what I got in camera this is the best I can do, not sure if it's a stronger image like this or not. Thoughts?
Much improvement here. If that is all there is lower, I would center her and square crop including the one hand if you plan to print and hang on a wall.
Douglas
The first one resonates well if you could crop from the right side in a bit. You can FEEL the grip of her hand and the elongated posture is beautiful. Her expression is full of confidence, yet tacit in innocence--also a tad sharper than the followup image. The blues toned down a bit would produce more harmony across, her eyes brightened a bit to engage those gorgeous blue eyes, and maybe a bit of d&b so it doesn't read so flat.
FotoHouse wrote:
The first one resonates well if you could crop from the right side in a bit. You can FEEL the grip of her hand and the elongated posture is beautiful. Her expression is full of confidence, yet tacit in innocence--also a tad sharper than the followup image. The blues toned down a bit would produce more harmony across, her eyes brightened a bit to engage those gorgeous blue eyes, and maybe a bit of d&b so it doesn't read so flat.
Your photography is excellent. Beautiful work.
I was surprised that everyone enjoyed the candid so much more than the stand out first. That was little girl elevated, full of confidence as you put so well.
This was a fun thread to read through. Beautiful images
Great feedback, thanks everyone! I have to admit I'm not sure which set of photos people are providing feedback on now, the original test run shots or the game day shots?
