First paid photoshoot

[trentonmcanally]

This is a picture from my first photo shoot. I am happy with the way the pics turned out. I would appreciate any critique on this or any of the other photos. Would you be happy with these?

EXIF:
Camera: Sony A300
Focal length: 50mm
Exposure: 1/320 at f/1.8
Flash: Not fired
ISO: 100
Exposure prog: Aperure priority
Metering mode: Spot
Size: 3367 x 2254

My link to the photo shoot (Both folders are from the shoot)
Trenton Mc Anally Photography | Adam & Kirsten Kexel

[scootermcq]

Three things grab me on this capture.

One is the harsh light on the right side of the face. I am assuming that it is through a window as no flash was used. If they had a shear drape, I would have closed it to diffuse the light, or if not used my own diffuser.

Second thing is what ever it is in the front of the frame is fighting for attention. I think it might be part of a high chair or playpen. Maybe a tighter crop to remove it would solve that problem.

Thirdly is the composition. The nose is pretty much smack dab center. I am failing to find any rule of thirds or such for what you were thinking with composition.

I don't mean to be harsh, and please take this as constructive feedback to help, but it looks more like a snap shot than a portrait. There are positives like both eyes appear to be in focus, even with an f1.8 etc, but the other things kill it for me.

[BigFuzzy]

I've taken a look at the whole series and there's really only a couple of things I think I need to say , but I also think they're very important when taking these types of images.

1. light.. though many of your images have a very nice soft natural light thing going on, many of them also have a very harsh uneven light that would be fixed by either using flash, using a reflector or better positioning of your subjects. Some of the shots in the shade have really unflattering patches of light coming in from the leaves. Many of the shots have eyes that are really dark because you don't have enough light going into their faces due to being in the shade.

2. Most of the images seemed to be composed smack dab in the middle of the frame. Though that's not wrong, it's a bit boring when every image feels the same.

In the end, I think the family will be happy, but there are some basic lighting and composition issues that I think could do for some improving.

[private]

For me, lighting and exposure were the things that need a bit of work. Like the PP sd, the family will be happy with these, you did a great job capturing the family.

what I did to help me understand how light effects a pic is I literally went out one afternoon and photographed light. After doing that I feel I am pretty good about not finding stray bits of light. But fill flash and/or a reflector is your friend...

[trentonmcanally]

Thanks guys for the tips. This shoot was done for free with me only making money on prints so going into this the family (Friends of mine) know that I am just begining and that there would be some imperfections (Such as lighting). I do have a lot to learn about especially lighting. This photo shoot was the first time I've ever really taken any kind of portraits. I have mainly always done landscape shots so MUCH to learn. I actually have 3 more shoots planned in the next 7 days so hopefully I can improve with each.

[GalArt]

thats a really cute baby! and i like that it is black and white. i dont like the light on the right side and also the position of her left hand its kind of wierd position (and i know how hard it is to take pictures of little babyes been there done that before) its just my opinion but nice and congrads with your first paying photoshoot!!!!!! have a good one

[trentonmcanally]

A different take on the pic. I did some HDR toning to fix some of the extreme light. Any suggestions besides i noticed i need to straighten the eyes.

[z0mbina80]

I think this one is much better. The light is much much more flattering...gives it more of a soft baby feel than a heavy old man feel... if that makes sense to anyone but me LOL. ( basically i think there is a B&W style that fits well to the elderly, outlining and defining their age in wisdom in some way, and another style that is softer and better for babies.. showing their innocence and pure beauty) yeah, I have a strange way of thinking about things haha.. but regardless. Nice fix

[MrJones]

if the first one had a lot of contrast, the second one is a bit flat for my taste. the answer is in between.
I would add more contrast to it and a bit of brightness afterwards.
I think it would look a lot better.

[Ms Byron Bay Photography]

I agree that the first one was a bit contrasty and a little on the "hard" side. The focus on the eyes was very good though.