Dad isn't home yet - Not Happy!!

[KMP2010]

Hi everyone,

Thank you for looking at my photo
This is the very first one I have posted at DPS. I am fairly new at photography and still don't really have any idea about post editing, or taking pics lol but I am getting there slowly.
I have not edited this is any way, shape or form and was wondering if anyone has any ideas or tips they could share. I think maybe the natural light coming through the window may be a bit harsh????
I have seen B&W's that have not been edited next to the same pic that has been and they just really seem to pop and make the unedited one look quite dull, any thoughts? Perhaps some Vignetting?




Thanks heaps

Canon 500D
Shutter: 1/50
Aperture: F5.0
Focal Length 60mm

[aribabybug]

My photography professor used to tell us that this was the most difficult shot in photography. You're trying to properly expose both your subject and whatever is outside the window, and that's really tricky. This shot doesn't seem too bad to me, really, but I would suggest getting between the baby and the window (provided you aren't throwing a shadow on him) next time so that you can use the beautiful light coming in without dealing with this problem.

You can try a number of other things if you're determined to get this shot, though. You might hang something outside of the window to block a little of the light, or you might use flash to brighten up the baby. Otherwise, I would suggest trial and error (not that a baby is going to sit still long enough for that!) to get an exposure that works. I'm sure there's a better way of doing it, but I'm not sure what it is.

Good luck, and nice shot.

[bbtom10]

I would suggest having a go at some exposure bracketing (if your camera has that feature), or alternatively, try and take a second shot with the exposure compensation down a couple of notches (to -2 is poss in this scenario) - then using Photoshop or equivalent, try and combine the two (or 3 if bracketed) images using the HDR functions.

This shot is great and a right place right time shot, really nicely composed and the exposure is the only issue, perhaps you should change the title because you can't see through the window so the story doesn't ring true - Daddy mught be right there but you can't tell because of the over exposure.

I would pose a suggestion but I'm not sure it would be appropriate, so in the interests of protecting myself as a newbie, I'll stop short!

Also, have you tried playing with the contrast settings in Photoshop, rather than just applying the standard B&W adjustment layer (or whatever equivalent process you went through to B&W this image) - there are some really good tutorials on DPS for making images 'pop' using B&W settings so have a look around.

Tom

[Lightwriter]

Did you shoot this in black and white? If so, you can't do much other than add contrast. If this was shot in color I would find some BW tutorials and play around til you get a good rendering. No two images convert to black and white the same way and I never use the same settings twice so you'll just need to be patient and explore your options. Also, I would lighten the right side of his face. If you would like I can try my hand at a good BW for you and post my results (and how I got there.) Let me know.

[KMP2010]

Originally Posted by aribabybug

My photography professor used to tell us that this was the most difficult shot in photography. You're trying to properly expose both your subject and whatever is outside the window, and that's really tricky. This shot doesn't seem too bad to me, really, but I would suggest getting between the baby and the window (provided you aren't throwing a shadow on him) next time so that you can use the beautiful light coming in without dealing with this problem.

You can try a number of other things if you're determined to get this shot, though. You might hang something outside of the window to block a little of the light, or you might use flash to brighten up the baby. Otherwise, I would suggest trial and error (not that a baby is going to sit still long enough for that!) to get an exposure that works. I'm sure there's a better way of doing it, but I'm not sure what it is.

Good luck, and nice shot.

Thanks for your comments aribabybug
I will definately try some shots with the window behind me. I just happened to walk into the room and saw her sitting there staring out so ran and got the camera. Like you say they don't sit for long and it was the first day I had used my Canon 500D ever so there was alot of fumbling as you could imagine hahaha

[KMP2010]

Originally Posted by bbtom10

I would suggest having a go at some exposure bracketing (if your camera has that feature), or alternatively, try and take a second shot with the exposure compensation down a couple of notches (to -2 is poss in this scenario) - then using Photoshop or equivalent, try and combine the two (or 3 if bracketed) images using the HDR functions.

This shot is great and a right place right time shot, really nicely composed and the exposure is the only issue, perhaps you should change the title because you can't see through the window so the story doesn't ring true - Daddy mught be right there but you can't tell because of the over exposure.

I would pose a suggestion but I'm not sure it would be appropriate, so in the interests of protecting myself as a newbie, I'll stop short!

Also, have you tried playing with the contrast settings in Photoshop, rather than just applying the standard B&W adjustment layer (or whatever equivalent process you went through to B&W this image) - there are some really good tutorials on DPS for making images 'pop' using B&W settings so have a look around.

Tom

Thanks Tom,

you had to make me chuckle and now I really want to know what your suggestion that may not be appropriate is. I won't take offence honestly, I have quite a strange sense of humour

I actually took this pic in BW so as lightwriter said I can only really play with the contrast. But I will have a trawl through DPS tutorials to get some ideas for next time

Kel

[KMP2010]

Originally Posted by Lightwriter

Did you shoot this in black and white? If so, you can't do much other than add contrast. If this was shot in color I would find some BW tutorials and play around til you get a good rendering. No two images convert to black and white the same way and I never use the same settings twice so you'll just need to be patient and explore your options. Also, I would lighten the right side of his face. If you would like I can try my hand at a good BW for you and post my results (and how I got there.) Let me know.

Hey Lightwriter,

yeah I shot this in BW so I guess there isn't much I can do. But it's something new I have learned. So is it best to always shoot in colour then use BW in photoshop to get the effects. That would be awesome if you could share your BW and tip on how you got there. I look forward to seeing it

[hmcgrael]

I totally get what you are going for here..and you captured it nicely..I would adjust the levels in whatever editing program you prefer..and frame it!!...Very cute!

[Lightwriter]

OK. First I duplicated the layer and put it in "screen" mode. I used a layer mask to concentrate the lightening on the face. The face still wasn't light enough for me so I duplicated the screen layer and lowered the opacity to 60%. I added a BW gradient map to give contrast to the image. Lastly, I lightened the eyes a bit more using a curves adjustment and a layer mask. I hope this helps you. This is an adorable picture and I would love to have taken it my self.

[luckymeghan]

I love it! I don't think it needs any changes, and I think your baby is too cute!! Adorable shot, TFS