My Cousin's Communion

[LENAAPPLE1974]

Hello everyone!

I normally do not post my photos for critique, but the last few "shoots" have truly inspired me. I want more! I personally have a problem dealing with low light sensitivity under manual settings, in quick situations. My brain freezes up. I tell myself, that this is my style - because I do work around it pretty well. I am however getting more requests to shoot weddings and other items. I want to feel more secure in what I do, by figuring out the low light settings. I almost do not know where to start! While for my friends and family, since I would be there anyway, I of course use this as an opportunity to practice. However for weddings, that is a completely different story. So bottom line is this: This is my latest venture. My cousin's communion. This is my favorite shot. Critique away!!! (on this or all)



D90
ISO: 800
METERING MODE: PATTERN
NO FLASH
F-STOP: F/5.6
EXP. TIME: 1/200

IN PHOTOSHOP CS3 I MESSED WITH:
VIGNETTING
CURVES
AND OF COURSE made it b/w


More photos here: Briana's Communion - a set on Flickr

[sumeet]

According to me this is one of the best shot that i have ever seen..i like the gentle smile,the light on her face,the overall composition is lovely...
and if i would try to change something that would be to crop the light in the extreme light which diverts the attention from the subject.The colored one would also look great.
Thanks for sharing

[Wifey]

Gorgeous! I love it too - beautiful lighting, beautiful subject. You can see the detail in her face and dress - it's obvious she is at Communion and it's not a dark, dreary photo by any means. Nice work. . .no critique from me (not that my critiques are worth much, lol)

[GirlyGirlSebas]

Love the DOF and lighting! Beautiful shot, here. My only recommendation is to crop the right side. The strip of light is pulling my eye away from your subject.

[LENAAPPLE1974]

Thank you so much for your comments! It is so greatly appreciated! I have so many shots to share, that I question myself on. Has anyone checked out the few others on the flickr link below the picture? I am curious for any comments on those as well. Part of my struggle also is do I make it b/w, or keep it color! I have been pulling to the b/w more lately tough.

I actually did question that white edge, but was asked to keep it in a 4x6 format, so the white edge stayed in. I did not want to loose any of the picture. Naturally I leave no crop room. Something I need to remind myself for things like this. It should crop nicely to a 8x10 & 5x7 also, taking away that white edge.

[ricklumpas]

It is a nice portrait shot.It is well composed with a minor distraction on the right that can be removed by cropping.

I would have taken a shot of her actually receiving the Holy Eucharist or at least with the host in the image. If not for the title I would mistake her flor a flower girl in a wedding.

Rick

[LENAAPPLE1974]

She actually would not stop smelling her flowers.

There were no pictures allowed at all inside the church. Not even no flash ones.

[wingsabr]

I love this, ALOT!!! This is the best picture I've seen in a while.

[DawnBrandon]

I would crop out the far right side but other than that it is perfect I love the lighting and she is in not way at all looking posed I love candid shots more than any!! great job. your work is good be a little more secure in your self!

[LENAAPPLE1974]

Sorry the image no longer shows up. I had to make them private due to complications. (A crazy stalker to be exact) Is there another way to upload the photo so it can be seen in the future?