Playing at the park
Jan 31, 2012 20:21:28 #
I'm working on my outdoor portraits, especially the lighting. This is my oldest, and the only way to get him and his brother to do a "photo session" with me is to bribe them with a visit to the playground. It was about 3 in the afternoon, so the sun was still pretty high. This was the best one and the only shot in the shade. The photos in the sun seemed to be blown out where the light was on him. Let me know what you think.
I also added a sun shot (SOOC) to show the blown spots.
I also added a sun shot (SOOC) to show the blown spots.
f/1.8 ISO 200 1/1250
f/1.8 ISO 200 1/1600
Jan 31, 2012 23:41:15 #
As you know harsh light can be your enemy, but when using our own kids for models we have to take what every they will give us.
One little hint, I know we all want to shot at the widest aperture our lens will give us to get that to die for brokeh but your lens is actually sharper at approximately 2 whole stops smaller than wide open. Try shooting at f/3.5 you'll still get pretty brokeh since the back ground is far enough way. But as a bonus you'll notice a sharper, crisper subject. :)
One little hint, I know we all want to shot at the widest aperture our lens will give us to get that to die for brokeh but your lens is actually sharper at approximately 2 whole stops smaller than wide open. Try shooting at f/3.5 you'll still get pretty brokeh since the back ground is far enough way. But as a bonus you'll notice a sharper, crisper subject. :)
Jan 31, 2012 23:43:45 #
To me - the first one looks good with the light. You might consider a little cropping on the left and make it a vertical shot??
The light is a little harsh on the second one (maybe a fill flash). The most important thing is the "capture" which you did The expressions say a lot in these photos.
The light is a little harsh on the second one (maybe a fill flash). The most important thing is the "capture" which you did The expressions say a lot in these photos.
Feb 1, 2012 08:35:12 #
Thanks for the comments!
I've heard that mentioned before, but haven't tried it. That's probably why I have trouble getting the sharp focus with the kids. ;) Thanks for the tip!
When I saw the photos on the computer, I thought a fill flash might help. I have a cheap external flash I can use with my camera. Do you have any suggestions how to use the flash? I know many say to bounce the flash, but outside there's nothing to bounce off of. I do have a diffuser and a bounce card that I can attach.
MWAC wrote:
One little hint, I know we all want to shot at the widest aperture our lens will give us to get that to die for brokeh but your lens is actually sharper at approximately 2 whole stops smaller than wide open. Try shooting at f/3.5 you'll still get pretty brokeh since the back ground is far enough way. But as a bonus you'll notice a sharper, crisper subject. :)
I've heard that mentioned before, but haven't tried it. That's probably why I have trouble getting the sharp focus with the kids. ;) Thanks for the tip!
olderguy wrote:
The light is a little harsh on the second one (maybe a fill flash). The most important thing is the "capture" which you did The expressions say a lot in these photos.
When I saw the photos on the computer, I thought a fill flash might help. I have a cheap external flash I can use with my camera. Do you have any suggestions how to use the flash? I know many say to bounce the flash, but outside there's nothing to bounce off of. I do have a diffuser and a bounce card that I can attach.
Feb 1, 2012 11:09:10 #
CareyLeigh wrote:
Thanks for the comments! br br quote=MWAC One li... (show quote)
Most of the recent, even the inexpensive, flashes have settings for fill or 1/2 light, and some have auto that reads the light. Just try a couple of shots, see how they work.
May 23, 2022 22:06:53 #
I like the second one. A boy trying hard to look like a man. That's how I see it. Others may have a different take. Anyway, I like it.
May 25, 2022 10:21:01 #
"...working on my outdoor portraits, especially the lighting..."
Fill flash is your friend here... especially effective on back lighting scenarios...
I've found underexposing ambient by -0.7 to -1 stop and dialing in just a touch of fill illumination "to taste" works best for my clients.
Fabulous composition in the second capture...
What separates a snap shot from serious child portraiture? Having the lens axis at or below the child's eye level.
How to maintain a child's interest during a session? Ask him/her about their favorite (game, animal, fast food restaurant etc.) and keep that conversation going non-stop for the entire session. Please try not to direct the session, just capture those magical fleeting serendipitous moments they give you...
Although seems you've followed MWAC's suggestion from your My "baby..." post
i.e. "(if you had him just tuck his thumbs in his pockets and have the rest of his hands out side of the pocket, it would have given you that relaxed look but also made it a little more pleasing to the viewer)."
Thank you for sharing Carey.
All the best on your wonderful journey!
Fill flash is your friend here... especially effective on back lighting scenarios...
I've found underexposing ambient by -0.7 to -1 stop and dialing in just a touch of fill illumination "to taste" works best for my clients.
Fabulous composition in the second capture...
What separates a snap shot from serious child portraiture? Having the lens axis at or below the child's eye level.
How to maintain a child's interest during a session? Ask him/her about their favorite (game, animal, fast food restaurant etc.) and keep that conversation going non-stop for the entire session. Please try not to direct the session, just capture those magical fleeting serendipitous moments they give you...
Although seems you've followed MWAC's suggestion from your My "baby..." post
i.e. "(if you had him just tuck his thumbs in his pockets and have the rest of his hands out side of the pocket, it would have given you that relaxed look but also made it a little more pleasing to the viewer)."
Thank you for sharing Carey.
All the best on your wonderful journey!
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