My very first family portrait

[OzarkGirl]

So as a favor to a friend I agreed to take her family portrait for her. I am a new photographer and was very nervous about this shoot, especially since there were 4 children. But it went pretty well. I pretty much understand how to achieve proper exposure, not that I always achieve it. My main problem right now if FOCUS. I get that if you are shooting 1 person that you should focus on their eyes. But when I was shooting this family, I was having a hard time figuring out where to put the focus. So my question is, this photo is pretty much the best one of the bunch that I shot. How is the focus? I've stared at it so long it's starting to look blurry to me ANY comments or tips on focus are totally welcome!!!! Thank you!



EXIF data
1/60
f5
100mm
iso 400
flash did not fire

[natek313]

The focus looks good. You posed them all in a row, so that didn't require a very deep depth of field. One trick that the wedding photographer I work with taught me is that for larger groups (three rows of people or more) you should focus 1/3 of the way into the group to maximize your use of depth of field. Just something to keep in mind.

Also, I see you used 100mm lens. The wider the lens, the larger your depth of field (if the aperture stays the same, of course). Be sure to watch your shutter speed with longer lenses - especially if they don't have IS/VR/whatever.

[CheaperKings]

Yeah, I've heard that 1/3 rule, too. Although, I've never photographed a large group before. I'd sure like to try it out.

as for the photo, I think you did a superb job on your focus!

[keyairuh14]

I am no expert so you don't have to take anything I say to heart. I love the picture in general. the focus and lighting is absolutely gorgeous. The only things I found 'off' about the pictures is how far apart each person is. The boy on the far left does not fit on the width of the road so I feel it is almost off centered and it draws more attention to that side. I also feel like it is suppose to be an action picture as thought they are walking down the road as a family, but instead it is clear they are all standin still in one position. I really love the idea and the picture, but the positioning of the picture was a little off. Great job all together!!

[terri33inne]

I'd be very pleased with this shot... I like the exposure, lighting & the sharpness of the subjects. I agree with the above post... I think if they had been walking it would have made an interesting composition.

[SuperDan]

although, for me, the composition works well for me, and starting to do family portraits, i know that its tough to get all doing the same exact thing.
for my critique though... your white balance is way off and is distracting me.
also, the vignette does not work on this photo at all, im sorry as i love using it, when its needed and with this, you are darkening the two boys on the end. for an alternative I would dodge and burn as then you can do just the trees and the ground instead of the boys. (the way the vignette is, its putting all focus onto the mom as she is the brightest spot in the pic)

keep shooting and sharing!

[OzarkGirl]

Thank you all so much for your honest advice. I agree with all of it and really love being able to post a pic that I think is fairly good and learn how I can make it even better. I took out the vignette and tried to dodge/burn instead and tried to "fix" the white balance with lightroom. Thanks again!!!

[SuperDan]

Much improved

[prince]

Apart from awesome sharpness and tight composition, I loved the way they were spread out. It gave a different, fresh feel from the snuggle-style family portraits. Standing pose does create a bit static feel but their poses make it different.

Next time or may be you already have, take another photo with them arranged height-wise..

[Niresangwa]

I think taking some off the top and the bottom would complement the long, wide composition as a feature of the image. Agree with most comments above.

My first thought was "holy crap, that couple looks young to have four kids at those ages!"