Looking for feedback: Good morning fellow photographers. I took this series as a trial run for a small preschool I was asked to shoot kid headshots by a friend. I have very limited...

Suzanne Caris Loc: Noneya, USA

Good morning fellow photographers. I took this series as a trial run for a small preschool I was asked to shoot kid headshots by a friend. I have very limited experience with portrait photography. If anyone has any feedback on these I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks in advance

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nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

It seems like the camera was lower than her face, as she is looking up in every pose. What format and focal length lens did you use?

randave2001 Loc: Richmond

I would certainly choose a less distracting background for future shoots. Something that flatters your subject rather than distracting from your subject.

Grey Ghost

Good first attempt. However, you may want to consider using a background that is less distracting from the subject.

Suzanne Caris Loc: Noneya, USA

50mm lens. Raw format
Shooting closer to eye level would work better?
I shot ALOT of pics. I chose these to edit just because I liked them lol, I'll focus on getting shots with more direct eye contact for the shoot.
Thanks so much.
How does the WB look to you. I'm working on a laptop and struggling to get it right.

Suzanne Caris Loc: Noneya, USA

Grey Ghost wrote:

Good first attempt. However, you may want to consider using a background that is less distracting from the subject.

I have limited access to backdrops. I showed the director my selection and this one she really liked. Any suggestions on making this one less distracting?

Nalu Loc: Southern Arizona

I know very little about portrait photography, but I agree with the previous comment, that the young lady is looking up too much. Perhaps better if she were engaged with the camera. Also, and more disturbing to me is the background. Too busy for me. I would either move it further away, or shoot at a larger aperture for less depth of field. Good luck!

Suzanne Caris Loc: Noneya, USA

randave2001 wrote:

I would certainly choose a less distracting background for future shoots. Something that flatters your subject rather than distracting from your subject.

The director really liked this one. Any chance I could make it less distracting?

Suzanne Caris Loc: Noneya, USA

Nalu wrote:

I know very little about portrait photography, but I agree with the previous comment, that the young lady is looking up too much. Perhaps better if she were engaged with the camera. Also, and more disturbing to me is the background. Too busy for me. I would either move it further away, or shoot at a larger aperture for less depth of field. Good luck!

Perfect. Thanks so much. I can definitely make that work. If I decide to make this a yearly thing I will be in the market for backdrops. :)

Nalu Loc: Southern Arizona

Full frame or crop sensor. Is you 50mm really 50mm or something a bit longer due to a crop sensor. For a full frame sensor, I would guess many would recommend 85 to 105 2.8 or faster.

Suzanne Caris Loc: Noneya, USA

Nalu wrote:

Full frame or crop sensor. Is you 50mm really 50mm or something a bit longer due to a crop sensor. For a full frame sensor, I would guess many would recommend 85 to 105 2.8 or faster.

Full frame mirrorless. Its the 50mm 1.8

Suzanne Caris Loc: Noneya, USA

Nalu wrote:

Full frame or crop sensor. Is you 50mm really 50mm or something a bit longer due to a crop sensor. For a full frame sensor, I would guess many would recommend 85 to 105 2.8 or faster.

I tried to get the 85mm but was sold out. Guess it is a hot buy these days

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

Suzanne Caris wrote:

Good morning fellow photographers. I took this series as a trial run for a small preschool I was asked to shoot kid headshots by a friend. I have very limited experience with portrait photography. If anyone has any feedback on these I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks in advance

Yes, the odd looking up and the distracting background. There are a few stray shadows of hair and the hair itself getting across places you might not want. Overall exposure, sharpness, OK.

But I have to ask, are the parents on board with this? Do you have parental model releases? And the licensing agency for the day care if there is such in your state? When I was teacher I could not take photographs of students faces due to privacy laws. I could only show their backs doing activities. Official School Pictures are done doing the handling all the issues. Be careful if this is for unsanctioned use. Obviously you can photograph your own kids if they are included.

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

Suzanne Caris wrote:

50mm lens. Raw format
Shooting closer to eye level would work better?
I shot ALOT of pics. I chose these to edit just because I liked them lol, I'll focus on getting shots with more direct eye contact for the shoot.
Thanks so much.
How does the WB look to you. I'm working on a laptop and struggling to get it right.

White balance looks fine on my monitor. Try holding the camera slightly above her head and make some shots of her actually looking at the camera. What lighting ratio between main and fill did you use? It also looks to me like the main light might have been set too low by the shadow it cast of her nose across her cheek.

Suzanne Caris Loc: Noneya, USA

The lighting is a whole new issue. I have a junky cheap 2 light with diffusing umbrellas. 2 work spotlight behind on the back drop.

I made the best out of what I have but ill try raising them some. I should have shifted my lights but it was a quick trial run and I don't plan to have the kids looking everywhere like I did with her.