Stacy_vandruff Loc: Farmington, NM

This photo I took this photo inside at an f-stop of 5.6 and ISO 100.not sure if I am getting a good handle on the aperture verse the shutter speed. how could I improve this photo of my daughter laughing?

Kristy laughing

ebaribeault Loc: Baltimore

You did good though needs red eye removal

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

It looks pretty good except it looks like on-camera flash was used.

If you were to not use the on camera flash that would help a lot. It's not flattering to be caught in the "deer-in-the-headlights" pose.

Get her near a window and have one side of her face towards the window so one side of her face is lit more than the other.

Then get a piece of cardboard about 2ft x 2 ft or so and put tin foil on it to make a homemade reflector (you can also use those auto windshield things if they are white or shiny)

use that to reflect some window light back into the shade side of her face.

That alone will do wonders for your shots.

Also...it looks like your focus isn't spot on...it HAS to be spot on and on one or both eyes.

I hope that's helpful.

14kphotog Loc: Marietta, Ohio

To further add to "Rpavich's" comments, get a piece of white foam core, and either put foil on one side or spray paint one side flatblack. If in a bright lit room you can use the black side to pull light away from one side of the subject. Play with this set-up and learn much about useing light. Make 2 of these and use 1 for white and silver, and 1 for black and gold spray paint.

Stacy_vandruff Loc: Farmington, NM

so were would you put this reflector exactly. or how do you hold it. this seems like a great idea so i would like to use it. or try any ways.

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

Here is what I'd do if I were you.

Buy this Ebook: "Portraiture tips and techniques" by Wayne Radford.

It's 20.00 and it will answer every question you have about taking portraits, lighting them, posing, everything.

It's a bargain at 20.00