Family Portrait (Page 3): Her nose casts a shadow on her cheek. Do you want that? Young man appears out of focus because of the water background which makes the entire photo appear out...

ole sarg Loc: south florida

Her nose casts a shadow on her cheek. Do you want that?

Young man appears out of focus because of the water background which makes the entire photo appear out of focus. Water which is slightly moving and out of focus often does this to an entire photo with one subject.

Morning Star Loc: West coast, North of the 49th N.

Bill Houghton wrote:

And remember to look at what is behind your target. Those branches will kill a shoot. Even though her smile is a winner.

In similar circumstances, I have found it extremely useful to have a second person help with "set-up" - not only background, but also pull the back of the blouse and the sleeve down, so the folds don't distract.
And I agree: the smile is a winner.

The boy looks like he's squinting, maybe uptight about having a "formal" portrait taken. Here too, a second person can help him relax.

Bill Houghton Loc: New York area

Morning Star wrote:

In similar circumstances, I have found it extremely useful to have a second person help with "set-up" - not only background, but also pull the back of the blouse and the sleeve down, so the folds don't distract.
And I agree: the smile is a winner.

The boy looks like he's squinting, maybe uptight about having a "formal" portrait taken. Here too, a second person can help him relax.

Thank you reading the whole statement :thumbup:

The less one has to due In PP the better the final results.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

I am going to make my comments based on what it has already been said.
Both portraits are good but the first one could have been improved cloning those branches growing out of her head and improving her skin tones that appear to be underexposed.
In regard to the lenses since you are using a D700 I would keep that 50mm lens available. I use flash with my portraits outdoors but especially when the subject is in the shade or backlighted and I always cut the light by at least 1 stop.
Using natural light when there is soft directional light is good for portraits only requiring good posing.
Good luck!

Morning Star Loc: West coast, North of the 49th N.

Bill Houghton wrote:

Thank you reading the whole statement :thumbup:

The less one has to due In PP the better the final results.

You're welcome!
Or is this "thank-you" tongue-in-cheek because I didn't make a comment about what lens to use?
I did actually read your entire message, then scanned some of the responses, but I'm afraid I can't comment on what lens to use, as I know nothing about Nikon cameras or lenses except what I can find in their manuals.
Still, I felt I had something worthwhile to contribute so you can get the very best results in the end.

Bill Houghton Loc: New York area

Morning Star wrote:

You're welcome!
Or is this "thank-you" tongue-in-cheek because I didn't make a comment about what lens to use?
I did actually read your entire message, then scanned some of the responses, but I'm afraid I can't comment on what lens to use, as I know nothing about Nikon cameras or lenses except what I can find in their manuals.
Still, I felt I had something worthwhile to contribute so you can get the very best results in the end.

It was not by any means tongue in check, the OP stated it was a practice shoot. Several folks on here tell me that It could be cloned out. I just mentioned it seeing the branch. You were the only one that didn't mention cloning. I respect that.

I also respect that you mentioned an assistant. A great aid when doing any portrait or studio shoot.

Morning Star Loc: West coast, North of the 49th N.

Bill Houghton wrote:

It was not by any means tongue in check, the OP stated it was a practice shoot. Several folks on here tell me that It could be cloned out. I just mentioned it seeing the branch. You were the only one that didn't mention cloning. I respect that.

I also respect that you mentioned an assistant. A great aid when doing any portrait or studio shoot.

Gotcha!
Two years ago, when doing the photos in the park for our granddaughter's wedding, the person who had promised to help, didn't show up. No-one was listening to me. Another relative suddenly simply started to order people around, told them where (and how) to stand, where to look, checked them over for clothing, shoes, etc., looked at me for approval, and I shot away. This gal has a natural authority in her demeanor and voice - I loved it!
It also taught me the value of an assistant, especially one who can deal with people, and who has an eye for small details.

billybob40

WOW

lowkick Loc: Connecticut

devolution wrote:

Hey, Hoggers. Need some help. Doing a family portrait for a friend. Family of 5. Nikon D700. Should I use my 80-200 f/2.8, the 50 f/1.8 , or my 28-300 f/3.5-f/5.6? This will be an outdoor shoot. I've done a couple of single portraits using the 2 zooms. They were outdoor shoots as well as this will be. For a group, which is better? I plan on using the magical light just before dusk.

The 80-200! With a group of 5 people, your biggest challenge will be to make sure that they are all in focus. Moving farther away with a long lens will "flatten" the image and help to increase your depth of field. I would recommend shooting at f/8 or f/11, so make sure you have plenty of light and probably a tripod and remote shutter release.

daddybear Loc: Brunswick, NY

I agree, that is nice range. The 50 with it a shallow D of F is good also. However, before concentrating on lens get your backgrounds found before hand, decide on what time of day and what the lighting will be.. five people you may need speedlight(s) and reflectors. Suggest a search on outdoor photos . You have a good start, plan and prepare as if this was a project for American Photo. Plan, prepare,execute.

Daddybear

James R. Kyle Loc: Saint Louis, Missouri (A Suburb of Ferguson)

Kmgw9v wrote:

Maybe you should use this opportunity to invest in a 24-70 2.8. :thumbup:

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I do agree with this. the 2.8 will let the background fall out of focus and keep the subjects sharp and therefor will stand out from the rest of the whatever is in the background as well as anything that you would have in the foreground.....

And a defused fill-flash will help with the shadows on the faces.

Good Luck on the family shoot.

devolution Loc: Dubuque. IA

Thanks everyone for their input. That's why I love this forum!

A. C.Cooley

What ever camera you have is good enough. Concentrate on the people. A little automatic fill-in-flash might help.

A. C. Cooley

Murray Loc: New Westminster

rpavich wrote:

I would use the 28-300. You'll be hard pressed to get 5 folks in a shot with a 50 without moving back a bunch and ditto for the longer focal lengths.

When you say "I plan on using the magical dusk light" what exactly are you planning? What's your intended set up look like?

Ditto for the 28-300.

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

Not being the biggest fan of the super range zooms, I'm not going to recommend that one. I would prefer the 50 in that situation assuming that you have the room to back up far enough to get everyone in the frame. The 80-200 would be my second choice and the 28-300 my last. I just like the light weight of a fifty for this type of work! I would also suggest using at least "dialed down" flash for fill in. I kinda like -1 to -2 or somewhere in between. (-1.3 usually works for me in.) Either take a few test shots at the start, or do a test shoot beforehand to see what you like. Best of luck.