Not so happy

[deshalon]

Hello,

I'm here again. My second post. What are your thoughts on this picture? What do you like? What do you not like? I hope you respond, your comments would help me to learn more.


DeShalon

[Sandie]

Because the collar is such a bright color I think we need to see it althe way around.

I love the eyes, expression, and skin tones! Very engaging shot.

[Nicole]

Something that I've noticed in some of the pictures that you've posted is that you seem to need more light. Perhaps some backlighting to separate your subject from the background a little bit more or some extra light in front to light up her skin so that it doesn't fall into the shadow so much would be helpful. Are you using the flash that's built into the camera? If you are, that's fine, it's just means it's time to pull out the DIY skills .

The site that I kept thinking could be useful for you to see an example of how this can be helpful kept slipping my mind, but I finally found it: Three point lighting simulator. Now, before you think that you have to have 3 actual studio lights to do it, consider if the girl was in front of a window which would provide some back lighting. Or even if there was light from a window coming in from one of the sides to help fill in what the flash doesn't get. Then you start getting somewhere.

Last of all I would maybe consider moving back just a little so it's not so tight. It feels just a little cramped since it's so close to the chin on the bottom and cuts off the forehead at the top. Sorry, I hope this wasn't too much info or anything. I think you've done well with the focus and all, so it's fixing up those last bits that can really make her stand out from the picture rather than blend into the shadows. (hope that all makes sense )

[AmandaPfeiffer]

nice use of the rule of thirds here.

[deshalon]

Thanks you guys. Nicole, I think you're right. I do have problems with lighting. I think it slips my mind sometimes. I don't know. I do use the flash on my camera, but I'm looking to buy an inexpensive one (if anyone could suggest one). The link was helpful.

Thanks for all your help

[Nicole]

I think lighting is one of the hardest bits (and of course, because of that, it has to be important ). I think it will come with practice. And flashes are rarely inexpensive, but trips to the hardware & fabric store are a much more affordable option. For some inspiration on how to do some DIY lighting, try DIYPhotography and Photodoto

[FrankenPengie]

...and believe it or not you can actually get fair results with what you have around the house when you're around the house snapping pics. Got lamps? Got extension chords? Taking the time to do some minor furniture arranging can be well worth the effort. Anybody not in the picture can hold a light for you. Generally, a bit of back-lighting and two or three light sources on the subject from various angles at differing intensities will garner good results.

[deshalon]

Thanks, I'll have to try that, never really thought about using lamps. What do you suggest for outdoor lighting?

[Nicole]

You know the car window reflectors that keep the sun out of your car and keep it cool? The silver ones? Some are even silver on one side and gold on the other. Use it to reflect natural sunlight

[FrankenPengie]

Something I always keep in my vehicle is a power inverter. I've not yet used it as a direct tool for photography other than to recharge my camera's battery, but it's great for plugging anything you would plug into a wall. ...such as a lamp.

The main reason I have this thing is because I was sick and tired of buying adapters for cell phones and what-not. With this, all I need is the wall adapter that comes with... everything, and I can recharge... everything!