Let her eat Cake

[Nieton21]

My girlfriend turned 21 yesterday and I took a number of shots of her. This was one of my favorite shots of the evening. I struggle with flash so when I need to use it I always have to take shots in auto mode. I did try to bump saturation of the color settings but because I was in jpeg mode instead of raw I had a tough time getting it right so instead I made it black and white then added a colored monochrome filter in aperture. My worry is that it might be a bit to high in contrast in ideas? Thanks for the tips!!!

Settings:
Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT
Exposure: 0.013 sec (1/80)
Aperture: f/7.1
Focal Length: 45 mm
ISO Speed: 400
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Flash did not fire

[clockdoc]

I think you have presented a very nice photo of your girlfriend. Thanks for adding your EXIF data with the photo. I see it says that the flash was not fired. What was the light source you used? It is a little high in contrast but that is partially due to the lighting and the tonal range in the original scene.
Overall, the composition is a little busy as I feel you have tried to include too much in the one shot. It almost has a symmetrical look to it. Perhaps a tighter crop of her with the cake and the glass she is holding would have more impact. As for the colorization, I would go with full or monochrome but not the colorized version as presented as it appears to be a washed out color shot. You did a nice job with this technically. Thanks for sharing this special time with us.

[wulf]

Overall, I like it a lot. Personally, the subtle colour is appealing to me. It is subtle enough to lift it from plain monochrome without being overpowering.

It might be worth considering a crop that takes off the crown of her head, matching the way the base of the cake tray is also truncated. I remember seeing a lot of crops like that when I visited London's National Portrait Gallery and looked at the photos: I think it works because it brings the subject closer (more intimate) without losing any important detail.

A couple of minor thoughts about the set up, which might be worth considering for next time:

1. It might have been good to have a bit more light coming from the right, bringing out some details in the shadows (using a reflector)

2. Some of the lines are a bit off - for example, the chairs slant down to the left while the bottle slants over to the right. It is very tiny and might be the lens or the room but is worth watching for and experimenting with when composing shots.

Wulf

[pkd14u]

I think it is lovely. Frameable, in fact!

[Nieton21]

Oh my gosh, I can't believe I screwed up the post by saying I did it with flash. (sorry I was pretty sick with the flu or something when I made the post and a bit out of it). Most of the shots were done with flash, but this was taken right after I adjusted the ISO up to 400 from 100. Wulf this literally was a spur of the moment type shot because she was antsy to get eating, that is another reason why there is so many things in the shot. But I like your suggestions on light I will keep that in mind more when I shoot.

[wulf]

There is certainly a place for a carefully set up shot but, also plenty of room for grabbing a shot when it presents itself - and you've got the memory of the meal as well

As a quick note, it is worth remembering that ISO can be increased. I often keep mine at 200 (lowest setting on the D40) and need to keep reminding myself that I can push it up. That has allowed me a number of shots that otherwise would have been impossible given the low available light.

Wulf

[jallas]

You've really captured the scene well, and this is a great photo which you'll keep forever to remind yourselves of how lovely her 21st was. I like the 'clutteredness' of the scene - there's a lot going on but it works well. Also I like the subtle colours, although I think if the colours were very bright and vivid it would also work extremely well, it looks great like this as well. Such a great expression on her face as well - the pose is completely natural and beautiful, not a forced pose where she looks like she's smiling cos she has to, you know?

All in all, a great photo IMO! I'm trying to think of something I would suggest for improvements... it's hard! I think maybe if this photo were a bit wider, like if you zoomed out a tiny bit, or took a step back, it might be quite nice, but really, this photo is just great as it is!