pamelajoy Loc: Aussie

I'm a complete novice learning not to use auto.

My family were not impressed. The new camera looked intimidating. They had only had me use the p & s once and we didn't really get the protocol set.

Anyway some of them smiled. Catching the smiles was the problem. The light was awful and the camera seemed slower.

I have a 60D Canon and used the fantastic plastic on the first photo and the 55-250 IS on the others. The second two were taken on auto I think and the others were taken on AV priority and 3200 ISO.

It was really dark. I tried an extra light but just got shadows so I turned it off again.

C& C welcome.

had a candle behind him - yellow glow

gerhel Loc: Sweden

You already seen the shadows so these you have to go away by different light positions. Also there is distractions in the back ground of a number of pictures. You can either crop it out or clean the background before shooting

Quickflash Loc: Loganville, Ga

It is all about the light! You're off to a great start. You have the camera and lenses. Try positioning the subjects further away from the background to kill the shadows. A good speedlite used to bounce off a wall or ceiling would make a huge difference. If you are serious about portraits, look into some studio lights. You can find them online for under $100.00 for a basic kit. If you are really serious, you can get some really high quality lighting for a bit more.
Anyway, keep trying. Also, there are great tutorials on line for lighting, posing and all aspects of portraiture and lighting. That and UHH is where I am learning.

pamelajoy Loc: Aussie

Thanks gerhel for your advice, will try next time.

pamelajoy Loc: Aussie

Thanks Quickflash for your advice, I will research and try and get some soon (after I finish paying for camera).