I've been playing around with shots of my 4 1/2 month old. I realize she drools, which I could wipe off more frequently or clone out, but chose to leave in. Here I simply used window light with her on the kitchen table. I did some PP. Do these work for location shots? I appreciate C&C!
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#6 The only smile I managed to capture as she'd turn away or stop as soon as I ducked behind the camera.
I saw that your post had not received any comments yet despite 130+ views by others. I know that can be disappointing and it is not helpful. So I will post some comments here along with suggestions and that may stimulate others to add theirs too.
My comments or suggestions below are not a criticism of you, your model, your talent or skill. I offer them in a friendly tone of voice and with the sole intent to help you with a second POV and set of eyes. If you read sincere questions and simple suggestions as "criticism" of you, then you will miss how I am trying to help you.
Of course this may be your own "style" or your own "vision" and I suppose we can assume that the images look just like they do because that is exactly how you like them. That is OK too. It just shows that there are differences of "opinion" on what looks good. IF these are exactly what you want and like, then by all means continue making your images look like that and have fun doing it. As I always say: "Follow your own muse."
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It is YOUR kid, so it will be difficult for you to look beyond what a parent sees.
My Simple Suggestions for You:
1. Eliminate the hat. It is a distraction and looks like it was used as an effort to get "cute" images. Instead of depending on the hat, focus on the expressions and face or situations. Put another way, the hat is a crutch. Avoid it. Make better pics of the kid (sans hat) and then later the hat will not be a crutch, it will be an accessory.
2. Wipe the drool. I see no appeal to the drool for anyone outside of a family and it will not be appreciated by the child later in life.
3. Get in the picture WITH her. Learn to use a remote. Avoid "ducking" behind a camera. For tips on how to do this, type "Be Remote" in the topic search field on the forum main page (People Forum) and it will lead you to a detailed thread about using a remote.
4. Get her off the table (it looks like a floor). The environment looks "cold" and unfriendly to an infant.
5. Show interactions WITH you.
You asked if these shots work for "location" images. What about the location seems important here?
Adorable little girl! I especially like the first and second shots. I know first hand how hard it can be to get that "smile" shot!
I agree with Steady Hand about the drool, though for your own shots, it may well be something you like. I know our guy likes to "blow bubbles" with his spittle, and even though it isn't the most attractive thing in pictures, some of his "bubble" shots are our favorites, because it is him.
Above all- just keep shooting. My wife and I try to do a "shoot" with our little guy at least every week (both with and without us.. I have a few nice self-family-portrait shots, but haven't gotten that one I love just yet), and the camera is always charged and ready to go for those perfect "snapshot" moments. I definitely enjoyed the images!
Edit- one more suggestion- try taking some shots sans-diaper. A blurry bare baby butt in the background, is about the most adorable addition one can have in a baby portrait (IMHO) .
Thank you for taking to time to reply. I appreciate both of your advice!
I had never tried a hat before, but am thinking it stands out because it is such a different color from the background. Maybe B&W would be better for photos with the hat. I tried the table because it was right in the light and I was trying something different than just using a blanket. I can see a softer place would give more of a softer look to the photos.
I'll look at the link about using the remote, Steady Hand. I've tried it before with a tripod, but not liked it for moving kids (my other kids are older).
More than anything, thank you for taking the time to comment. I know you all see a lot of much better images, so your giving some advice to the beginner is much appreciated.
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