Frustrated, frustrated, frustrated
Jul 23, 2012 01:02:21 #
I would have these all capitalized but Admin has already slapped my wrist once when I did that. However that is how I would convey my FruStraTion. Took some photos of an 8mo. today whom I have taken photos of before. Trying the 'portrait' thing and I'm not happy with them. Got over 100 and I fig. getting about 10-15% that are pretty good wouldn't be bad. Don't think I made even 10%. And it all boiled down to the lighting. I know, duh, right. I was using only one light and that was my flash with an umbrella first then a smaller softbox. Space was another issue. I had a particular shot in mind outside with the barn as a back drop. But we have had so much rain and then it rained before we could go and set it up so I thought I'd just set it up under my carport. I live in the deep south and if you haven't ever been down here when it has rained so much, you may not can understand when I say it is like breathing in warm water when you step outside, you immediately start sweating. Noway was I going to try doing a bunch of photos outside so I decided to use a backdrop I had and my wooden floor. What I had in my mind just didn't portray itself with how I tried to set up. I started with my 50mm then switched to my 18-105 kit. I'm just not happy with them and even though I've shot in RAW I couldn't manipulate/correct to my satisfaction. I want another prime lens with some zoom, still waiting on the money :roll: So I'm flustered and frustrated and just plain aggravated. So what do I do? I know practice and practice but let me set it up for you. When I set things up in the house it is in my living room which for it's use is good enough. Now set up a backdrop, try to set up a light, never mind about the other two I have because they aren't going to fit, keep in mind there is a 3 cushion couch on one side and a love seat on the other side. I can move the two rocker recliners and can move back just so far and that is it. I just can't get the light right. To practice it is set them up and take them down, set them up and take them down. Why take them down you ask? Because it is right in front of the tv. There is no where else to put any of it. Now one more thing, the image will look out of kilter. I try to get down on the floor at child level but they still seem to be sckewered. Photoshop you say. Fine, give me the instruction for Elements. :?
Jul 23, 2012 01:06:14 #
Jul 24, 2012 07:44:22 #
Jul 24, 2012 07:55:08 #
deanna_hg wrote:
I would have these all capitalized but Admin has already slapped my wrist once when I did that. However that is how I would convey my FruStraTion. Took some photos of an 8mo. today whom I have taken photos of before. Trying the 'portrait' thing and I'm not happy with them. Got over 100 and I fig. getting about 10-15% that are pretty good wouldn't be bad. Don't think I made even 10%.
Some day I will tell you how to achieve perfection in everything you do - as soon as I learn how. You got some good pictures, right? That was the point of the exercise.
You might have heard of the famous TV fishing instructor, Bill Dance. It's amazing what he can do with his boat and fishing gear. One day I watched some of his outtakes. Unbelievable! You would think he had never seen water before. He was an absolute, total klutz. Yet, every week, he managed to put together 25 minutes of perfect fishing video.
Do you know who holds (or did hold) the strike-out record in baseball? Babe Ruth.
Now that I am using digital, I shoot as many varied pictures as I want, and I usually get a few that are acceptable.
There is a term for what you experienced that day: Normal. :D
Jul 24, 2012 09:31:03 #
Jul 24, 2012 10:09:48 #
deanna_hg wrote:
I want another prime lens with some zoom,
I think that would be an oxymoron.
PS: Post your best shot using "store original" to get some suggestions on what to do with Elements...and probably other ideas on composing.
Jul 24, 2012 10:18:29 #
I can sympathize/empathize. I have been frustrated many times.
I wish I could address your specific issues, but each of us have different issues. Any attempt at advise would be a pat answer, which would be inadequate.
I'd rather just state that we've all been there. You'll figure it out.
I would suggest that since you had this experience, that before doing another shoot, set up similar to how you did this time and practice on inanimate objects. Get a feel for the light and the angles; and you'll figure out what works. Then when you do shoot a baby or another person again, you will have already figured out what works and what doesn't; and you'll know ahead of time how the light will end up.
I can tell you that every serious photographer has had the frustrations like you have just had. Unfortunately, it's something to go through; one thing though is that it's motivation for figuring it out, and it's probably going to be one of those lessons you wont forget (because it was painful).
If I could figure out a good answer that would make you feel better, or that would solve the problem, I would certainly do so. I can just suggest going over the setup on something inanimate until you get what you're happy with. And even still, an inanimate object (even a doll) is going to reflect light a little different than human skin. But at least you'll have the angles right and an approximation on the lighting.
I wish I could address your specific issues, but each of us have different issues. Any attempt at advise would be a pat answer, which would be inadequate.
I'd rather just state that we've all been there. You'll figure it out.
I would suggest that since you had this experience, that before doing another shoot, set up similar to how you did this time and practice on inanimate objects. Get a feel for the light and the angles; and you'll figure out what works. Then when you do shoot a baby or another person again, you will have already figured out what works and what doesn't; and you'll know ahead of time how the light will end up.
I can tell you that every serious photographer has had the frustrations like you have just had. Unfortunately, it's something to go through; one thing though is that it's motivation for figuring it out, and it's probably going to be one of those lessons you wont forget (because it was painful).
If I could figure out a good answer that would make you feel better, or that would solve the problem, I would certainly do so. I can just suggest going over the setup on something inanimate until you get what you're happy with. And even still, an inanimate object (even a doll) is going to reflect light a little different than human skin. But at least you'll have the angles right and an approximation on the lighting.
Jul 24, 2012 12:19:44 #
pappy0352 wrote:
Why not rent a studio for the shoot?
Pappy
Pappy
I would love to rent a place. I really need to practice 'studio' lighting since it seems hard to get a grip of but without room it is a little difficult.
Jul 24, 2012 12:22:36 #
jerryc41 wrote:
quote=deanna_hg I would have these all capitalize... (show quote)
Normal, thanks jerry, I really was wondering about myself :) I guess I was expecting better or rather hoping :?
Jul 24, 2012 15:04:51 #
From your description, your style goal is not clear. It sounds as if your may want to use a multi-light setup with inadequate space for same. Take a look at some of the work of Captain C in this forum and his work with the "Now I lay me down to sleep" group and Sandy Puc especially in their use of ONE light. Google for Sandy's web site or use the above site. Granted, the style may not match your preconceived style goal but it should "for sure" start the old idea juices flowing. There are loads of lighting tutorials on You Tube that might also provide some help. Hope this helps....
Jul 24, 2012 15:14:54 #
Frustration is part of our lives, it seems. I get frustrated all the time when what I see is not what comes out in my photos. You know what you have to do already, just keep on plugging away.
Hang in there! we all feel your pain!
Hang in there! we all feel your pain!
Jul 24, 2012 18:00:32 #
Your right MT shooter, as it can get rough with portrait
style photo shooting. If I'm doing a portrait, I normally
use my 50mm 1.4 lens and have my best flash on it, and
when I shoot children at my knee height, I put the Pro
Finder on the camera, which takes care of that problem.
style photo shooting. If I'm doing a portrait, I normally
use my 50mm 1.4 lens and have my best flash on it, and
when I shoot children at my knee height, I put the Pro
Finder on the camera, which takes care of that problem.
Jul 24, 2012 18:26:20 #
deanna_hg wrote:
I would have these all capitalized but Admin has already slapped my wrist once when I did that. However that is how I would convey my FruStraTion. Took some photos of an 8mo. today whom I have taken photos of before. Trying the 'portrait'n't ever been down here w and practice but let me set it up for you. When I set things down on the floor at child level but they still seem to be sckewered. Photoshop you say. Fine, give me the instruction for Elements. :?
Try taking them outdoors! Scott Kelby for elements and you can find tons of tutorials on u-tube. Good luck!
Jul 24, 2012 18:32:43 #
Is there a prime lens that also zooms? I thought (but could be wrong) that prime lenses were fixed focal lengths.
Jul 24, 2012 18:33:07 #
I just watched Peter Hurley's video and he shoots 100 shots to get 5-10 good photos. Considering he is the highest paid head shot artist and greatly sought after and he is only getting 10%, You should not be too discouraged.
Lighting is just as much fun for me. I am moving to the basement to solve my troubles. You may have some other options... #1 is a room at your church (usually a good option if you go to church), family or friends who may have a room you can shoot in (if they will let you impose occasionally), VFW or American Legion are usually inexpensive to rent as are rooms at the local library. Lastly, check into public buildings and parks. Many parks have sheltered locations you can use to shoot in for free and I have taken photos at many public buildings for different types of gatherings so you possibly could arrange something at one near you. I find that the hardest part of finding anything you are looking for is asking. Do not be afraid to ask and doors will open eventually.
Lighting is just as much fun for me. I am moving to the basement to solve my troubles. You may have some other options... #1 is a room at your church (usually a good option if you go to church), family or friends who may have a room you can shoot in (if they will let you impose occasionally), VFW or American Legion are usually inexpensive to rent as are rooms at the local library. Lastly, check into public buildings and parks. Many parks have sheltered locations you can use to shoot in for free and I have taken photos at many public buildings for different types of gatherings so you possibly could arrange something at one near you. I find that the hardest part of finding anything you are looking for is asking. Do not be afraid to ask and doors will open eventually.
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