My 4 yr old daughter

[Jemma87]

i took a few portrait shots of my daughter out in the backyard with natural light. im very new to this and was wondering if anybody could give some pointers on where i could improve ???
like do u think i should have not used the flash ??



exif info -
flash - fired
expsosure time - 1/125s
aperture - 4.6
ISO-100


exif info-
flash-fired
exsposure time- 1/160s
aperture- 4.6
ISO-100

[miyukisarah]

I would avoid using direct flash as much as possible. Your compositions are nice though. With potraits, especially close ups like the second one, try to focus on the eyes. What kind of camera are you using?

[Jemma87]

thanks for your reply, im using an olympus 520. when u say focus on the eyes, is that the point that i position the lens at ???? sorry for the dumb question.

[Laurenbiz]

Yes definitely go for the eyes!

If this was natural light, you should not let it flash. If her face would be too dark without the flash in this natural lighting, you could try to increase your ISO. Increasing ISO would help to lighten her up yet avoid that harsh look of flash :-)

[Jemma87]

thanks for the tip, i will give it a go, imvery lucky she is my daughter and is oh so happy to let mummy take pics

[SusanH1970]

Originally Posted by Laurenbiz

Yes definitely go for the eyes!

If this was natural light, you should not let it flash. If her face would be too dark without the flash in this natural lighting, you could try to increase your ISO. Increasing ISO would help to lighten her up yet avoid that harsh look of flash :-)

Not only bumping the ISO - also opening the aperture more and using a slower shutter speed. Here's is some information about the Exposure Triangle.

Also, flash can be used in conjunction with natural light for fill. However, it's best not to use a pop-up flash, as it does give pinlights and flat lighting.

[untitled99]

really like the second one-- those are some amazing blue eyes! definitely work on getting them into a crisp focus and the pic will knock you out :-) try not to use a flash too, the make things very harsh.

and... did she just have a cherry popsicle? or is she blessed with bright red lips too?

[Jemma87]

thanks everybody for some great tips, i will give it a go...

did she just have a cherry popsicle? or is she blessed with bright red lips too?

no she is blessed with the red lips too