Fashion Show

[janesa13]

I went to a mall with a sea view in the back to test out the CPL i just got but apparently there is a small fashion show going on inside so I took some shots of it as well.
This is the first time I tried to shoot a moving object (panning).

Some background info:
1. taken indoor, so I took off the CPL but kept the UV filter on for protection.
2. really cramped space and very crowded. This is the best spot I could get into.
3. I haven't got a speedlight yet at the time. So that bright light is actually from other photographers with the big rig. No tripod.
4. Posted as-is (no post-processing). You can check the exif here

I have a mix feeling on this. I felt that technically this is quite bad, but after a while I thought it was quite good overall.

[jiminyClickit]

janesa13,

Mmmmm. OK, so it depends on where the photo goes from here, to what use you intend to put it. It's probably information-filled enough that post work could make it fit most situations. Here, I'd say you probably already see what could be improved, you lucky, lucky guy.

[janesa13]

Originally Posted by jiminyClickit

janesa13,

Mmmmm. OK, so it depends on where the photo goes from here, to what use you intend to put it. It's probably information-filled enough that post work could make it fit most situations. Here, I'd say you probably already see what could be improved, you lucky, lucky guy.

That's the problem....I don't really know the technique for this type of photoshoot (moving objects). I'm more landscape/urban type where the mountains and buildings stay still.
I guess what I want to know is how can I improve on these type of shot and what type of postprocessing that can salvage this shot.

Go ahead and post your experiment on this thread.

[oriolhdz]

Hi Janesa13:
The only thing that is messing with your photo I think, is the woman in the background but as you said, there were not much space.
I took your photo borrowed and made some quick post processing.
I cropped it a little bit, make some curves and levels adjustments and at the end applied some black and white filter. Hope you like it!

Thanks for sharing your photos!

[janesa13]

Never thought to make it into b&w. I thought that the flash will be too bright in b&w.
I was proven wrong

[Digidave]

I cropped it a little bit, make some curves and levels adjustments and at the end....

What, you didn't think she had enough curves?!! Sorry, couldn't resist.

[janesa13]

*Slap Digidave with a frozen tuna*

Anyway, I used AF continuous on this shot since that is the recommended method for panning.
How do you avoid having other people's flash coming into your shot? I mean if there are about 5-6 other people with camera+flash, this is bound to happen right?
Oh and by the way, I didn't snapped like crazy. I waited for the moment and then take the shot. Most people I saw keep their thumb glued to the button.
Which one you all prefer for this kind of situation? Do you bounce your flash?

[purplepixie]

janesa13: well captured under difficult conditions
oriolhdz: I think your edit works well, makes it more glam

[jiminyClickit]

janesa13,

I can resist anything but temptation, so a little sleep loss is not going to hurt much. This is all about the background, as the model was shot well (given the conditions of show). It's masked, blurred, darkened. Her left hand seemed more distracting than adding to look. Necklace? Not decided. Model might need a little motion blur to have that make sense.

[wulf]

Nice edit, Jiminy - it deals with the main thing I dislike about the original, namely the bright and cluttered background. Perhaps you could also tone down the brightness of the model (especially the light catching on her pony tail) to make it fit the new situation a bit more)?

Janesa - I think it was not an amazing shot to begin with (although I am not sure I would have done any better given the circumstances) but, as has been seen, I think there is certainly potential to get something from it.

Wulf