{senior moments}

[Monica0626]

Hi everyone-

I am a new photographer, mostly self taught and recently photographed my first hig school senior. I always get great comments from friends and family, but I am hoping for some good insight from fellow photographers on good, bad, things could've been done better or differently...etc.! Let me know what you think! Thanks a bunch!

The image was shot at high noon due to family issues and there was NO SHADE. I attached to orig. and an edited copy.

Shot in Ap Priority with external flash to help with shadows
Canon 50D
ap 5.6
shutter 1/250
ISO 100
70/200 at 78.0mm
E-ttl at -1/3

Monica

[CheaperKings]

The only thing I can say is NEVER shoot at high noon with no shade. I understand this couldn't be avoided in this particular situation however, I would try to reschedual something like that in the future. Her squinting eyes just take away from the shot to me...

[wmbtaylor]

If you must shoot at High Noon - Try bringing props such as umbrella's to add some shade to the subject.

You could also go with some white sheets positioned above if you have tent poles or maybe a portable awning.

Nice shot otherwise.

[Daisho]

If the model does not insist on it, Photoshop the scars on her arm out, they don't add really to the picture.
If you have to use the harsh light at noon, you should use a reflector to fight under eye shadows, even with the flash I can see them.
I like the composing of the picture and all but the light kills it completely.

[oldwolf]

Originally Posted by Monica0626

Hi everyone-

I am a new photographer, mostly self taught and recently photographed my first hig school senior. I always get great comments from friends and family, but I am hoping for some good insight from fellow photographers on good, bad, things could've been done better or differently...etc.! Let me know what you think! Thanks a bunch!

The image was shot at high noon due to family issues and there was NO SHADE. I attached to orig. and an edited copy.

I'd buy a 5 in 1 reflector/diffuser to bring along with you so you can provide some shade. White sheets to prop over your client's head would work to give them some shade but if you don't have someone coordinated enough to hold that for you then it's a mute point. If you're shooting solo then you could always bring along a stand or use one of the lastolite tri-flip things. It's easier to hold in one hand and you could probably point your camera on a tripod with a remote trigger if you need to.

If you are looking for a 5 in 1 then I'd suggest one that gives you a black side. It helps absorb light so you can control it more. Here are some links.

Lastolite TriFlip 8 in 1 Grip Reflector Kit - LL LR3696 - B&H

Interfit Collapsible 5-in-1 Reflector (42") INT265 - B&H

Interfit Collapsible 5-in-1 Reflector Kit with Bracket INT270 -

Photogenic 42" 5-in-1 Chameleon Reflector 908621 - B&H

On a post processing note, I'd probably lighten the shadows under her eyes. Otherwise you did great for the conditions you had to deal with.

[peeperita]

actually, i rather like the unedited version.....you did well under the circumstances ....

peeper

[daddyoproductions]

I agree you did a good job with what you had. Next time, I'd try to bring some kind of scrim to block the light and put those parents to work holding it up

~C

[daddyoproductions]

Sorry for double post...internets hiccup!

[ML Photography]

I agree with all the above posters...

The only problem of using a reflector at noon is that it will most likely make your subject squint her eyes even more: it cal be VERY blinding...

With respect to the friends & family comment, I personally consider them to a limited extent, just because they look at the pictures with their "heart's eyes", so they tend to be not so objective...

Last, but not least, it looks like to me that you blurred the background in the post processing. If so, be careful with the selection on her hair and try not to overdo it.

Bye,
Marco