Beach Shots

[imrumpf]

So I read about the beach photography tips recently posted and decided to take a few beach myself! The pictures are uneditied, except for resized a little bit so they were small enough to be uploaded. Please critique my shots. thanks!

[Saralonde]

Cute model. I like her animated look in #3. I think perhaps using a reflector or some fill flash to light up the shadows on her face and highlight her eyes would help.

[Liacs]

I haven't seen the tutorials, but the shadows are really big under the eyes. A fill flash would have helped... Also the first picture (left one) looks like taken with a wideangle lense... that doesn't flatter the object too much. The nose looks pretty dominant and the face is a bit too straight on...

What I do love though is the colors and the composition off center. But as I am just a bloody beginner I shouldn't have the right to judge these pictures too much

Have fun taking more pictures. My view is just one of many!

Lia

[imrumpf]

Originally Posted by Saralonde

Cute model. I like her animated look in #3. I think perhaps using a reflector or some fill flash to light up the shadows on her face and highlight her eyes would help.

I have a Rebel XTi and just the kit lense at the moment I was on either sports mode, or portrait mode. How would I activate a fill flash when the lighting conditions are so bright? (my shutter was at 1/1250!)

[Saralonde]

If you are using the automatic modes, the camera decides for you. Since there was so much light around, it concluded you did not need flash. If you still want the camera to do the settings for you, try putting it on the P setting, then push the flash button on the left side of the camera (the one with the little zigzag arrow). That will flip up your flash. Alternately, you can try the AV mode and set your own aperture (the camera will chose the shutter speed). A more open aperture (small number) will give you a narrow depth of field (blurrier background) and you can still push the flash button.

Using a reflector is another option. If you keep a gold or silver windshield protector in your car of just a piece of white posterboard, you can place it tilted upward near the ground on the model's right side (your left) and reflect light onto her face. That helps eliminate shadows but you need a helper to hold it or something to lean it against.

I know it sounds a little more complicated, but it's things like this that help change your images to a different level. Check the blog at the top of this page. There is a whole section on portrait photography.

BTW, the kit lens is no slouch,you can take some nice shots with it.

[imrumpf]

thank you for the tips. I will have to go with the first set of hints, as carrying around a reflector all the time might not work. As far as the manual modes, i guess I will have to give them a try and learn the camera better eh?

[Saralonde]

It seems more scary then it actually is. Some people jump right into M mode and set everything. I think it's easier to try AV first, then all you have to worry about is setting aperture, and maybe ISO. A little practice and you will be quite comfortable.

[imrumpf]

I know you said that the kit lense is no slouch, but I have read that the kit isn't always the best either...in a situation like these beach shots....what kind of (fairly inexpensive) lense would you reccommend? Actually...what all-purpose lense would you reccomment at all?

[Saralonde]

If you are learning to use your camera and are taking a wide variety of shots, the kit lens is a good lens to "learn on."
If you are thinking about buying another lens, you need to ask yourself some questions:

• What do I like to shoot? (macro, wildlife, portraits, landscapes, sports, etc.)
• What is my budget?
• Do you take a lot of low light or action shots?
• Do I want an all-purpose walkaround lens or something more specific?

Answering these helps eliminate a lot of lenses and narrows your choice down.

If you are looking for a budget walkaround lens, the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 ($336), the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 ($388) and the Sigma 17-70 f/2.8 ($334) are all good budget lenses. The 2.8 is useful in lower light situations. As you notice, your kit lens is 3.5-5.6. Other budget lenses information can be found here: Budget Lenses (under $200.00 US)

Buying a new lens can be an investment, so do some research, or ask me, because I know where to look .

[Sime]

Originally Posted by imrumpf

I know you said that the kit lense is no slouch, but I have read that the kit isn't always the best either...in a situation like these beach shots....what kind of (fairly inexpensive) lense would you reccommend? Actually...what all-purpose lense would you reccomment at all?

G'day... for those shots, I would probably have opted for my 50mm f1.4. You can get a 50mm f1.8 for about $80.. you can see some pricing HERE. That said, a prime lens (fixed / non-zoom) is going to be a lot less useful to you if you don't want to spend a whole load and want a bit of diversity. Saralonde gave a few great options, at a stretch I would have a look at the Canon 17-85mm (I have one) I use it as my "going out and only taking one lens" lens.. if that makes sense? but, it is a little more expensive than it's Tamron and Sigma brothers and sisters... hope this helps, if you want to know anything about the 50mm or the 17-85mm, fire away!..

Sime