Golden Gabby

[Weird Girl]

I downloaded a preset for Lightroom 3 and was wondering what you think- is it too dark/too obvious that it's a preset? I personally like how it brings out her highlights but I seem to like things that others don't... Does the darker area on her back bother you? I know the composition is a little off since you can't see all of her and the baseboard is running sideways because of the tilt- does this work or bother you? Any other comments are appreciated!

Nikon D5000
18-55mm
1/125
f5
ISO 200
WB set on Tungsten
Edited in Lightroom

[brianxlt]

There's nothing wrong with using presets or actions, but you don't have to leave it at that. You can always adjust the settings - look at it as a starting place - if it looks good to you than you are done if not adjustments can always make it work. As for the c composition the image of the subject is good leading from top left to bottom right is fine, the base board and the two tone cutting through makes me want to tilt my head and try to see what he is looking at. I think it adds perspective.

[Weird Girl]

Thanks! I did a little adjusting but not a ton. do you think i should crop it differently or straighten it a bit?

[Weird Girl]

Can anyone else offer some advice Thanks!!!!

[karen_s]

Originally Posted by brianxlt

There's nothing wrong with using presets or actions, but you don't have to leave it at that. You can always adjust the settings - look at it as a starting place - if it looks good to you than you are done if not adjustments can always make it work. As for the c composition the image of the subject is good leading from top left to bottom right is fine, the base board and the two tone cutting through makes me want to tilt my head and try to see what he is looking at. I think it adds perspective.

+1

Were it my photo, I would treat this preset as a starting point for the image. The blacks are pretty filled in in a couple of spots, especially on his/her? back and in and around the eye. Maybe back off the blacks a bit as a whole or use the spot adjustment tool on those areas.

I'll just ad I'm not that fond of the tilt in general but it does seem to work for this shot. And I try to keep baseboards out but again, it kinda works for you here as a leading line.

I love the pose and the look.

[Weird Girl]

Thanks! I will definitely tone down the blacks and try to brighten it up a little. What would be your advice for doing a shoot at someone else's house? I loved the large blank wall and the cherry hard wood floors but the baseboard is hard to work with. I dont have a backdrop setup yet and use sheets or rugs at home. I am looking to make indoor portraits more exciting and creative... Thanks!

[karen_s]

Originally Posted by Weird Girl

Thanks! I will definitely tone down the blacks and try to brighten it up a little. What would be your advice for doing a shoot at someone else's house? I loved the large blank wall and the cherry hard wood floors but the baseboard is hard to work with. I dont have a backdrop setup yet and use sheets or rugs at home. I am looking to make indoor portraits more exciting and creative... Thanks!

Think photojournalism and find perspectives that make the environment work for you. Also, start saving for an off camera flash if you don't already have one. Natural light is beautiful but it is more often than not that you just need more light, especially for dogs 'cause they move. (I now have two flashes, a large piece of foam core clamped to a music stand for bouncing, and a couple of black foamie things.)

Other things to keep in mind are:

• A shallow depth of field can be helpful to lessen the effect of clutter but sometimes hard to achieve at wide angles. Just gotta keep that in the back of your head, use it to your advantage if you can.

• If you don't already, get in the habit of looking at everything in the viewfinder, not just your subject. Years ago I got in the habit of looking for things sticking out from behind peoples heads and that expanded into looking at EVERYTHING within the frame. It's an invaluable skill to have.

• Once you learn to look at the entire frame, you will find yourself able to adjust perspectives to avoid unwanted clutter before you take the shot. And do consider different angles. Moving a foot up or down or right or left can really change a shot.

• Consider shooting from very high or very low, like from a stable chair or ladder or on your belly. (Of course, this has it's risks so beware.) It not only gives you a unique view but can also help avoid clutter.

• Start a 52 week project and push yourself. I started one of my Golden mix Sammy in January (I post the shots to Flickr). I will finish this one.

Keep practicing and keep asking for critique. Nothing beats experience.

[Weird Girl]

Thanks so much for your comments! I will definitely be trying different angles and using DOF to my advantage! I do have studio lights with soft boxes and will continue working on positioning them correctly for the shot. I'm working on rigging something up to be able to hang some backdrops so hopefully my issue of always having a baseboard in the way will be gone. I think I need to make a thrift store trip to look for some props as well. I would really like a little couch and other things to add in sitting down shots instead of always being on the floor. I would love to get my hands on a Vagabond so I have the ability to take my lights on outdoor shoots as well! I have looked everywhere for a less expensive option but doesn't look like one exists... Thanks again!!