Fall Family Portrait

[Lynn4519]

I took several different shots, and this one I would appreciate any critique. Especially wondering if the Dad(left of picture) looks to awkward the way he was standing with his foot up on the rock. Any other comments appreciated.

Focal length:80.0mm
1/80
f/5.0
ISO 200
Manual
flash not used

[autofocus]

I'd have to say he looks a little hunched over. Setting up group shots can be difficult. Trying to form an overall triangular setup with your group usually makes for a pleasing composition. I also feel that the rest just sitting there on the rock looks a little static, and they don't seem to connect well with each other. Also not sure of the young girl's crossed hands.

[Lynn4519]

Thank you autofocus for your critique on this portrait. I was trying to figure out how to position him since there wasn't a lot of room for them all sitting together. I'm still working on group shots and how to position them. I appreciate your comment,because I'm always wanting to improve.

[NicoleScraps]

Originally Posted by Lynn4519

Thank you autofocus for your critique on this portrait. I was trying to figure out how to position him since there wasn't a lot of room for them all sitting together. I'm still working on group shots and how to position them. I appreciate your comment,because I'm always wanting to improve.

Go to flickr and search for family portraits, then just favorite those that are appealing to you. Go back and study what you liked about the photo. Study the poses, etc. That is what I do anyways.
I agree that the posing in this photo is a little off, but technically speaking, it is a great photo.

[Lynn4519]

Thank you, Nicole. I appreciate your help!

[autofocus]

Originally Posted by Lynn4519

Thank you autofocus for your critique on this portrait. I was trying to figure out how to position him since there wasn't a lot of room for them all sitting together. I'm still working on group shots and how to position them. I appreciate your comment,because I'm always wanting to improve.

Lynn, This may have worked, although it's hard to say not being there...from camera left: in this order - dad, mom, and son on rock, and if daughter is not too tall she stands next to dad's right side. She could be standing at a slight angle to the camera with her left hand on dad's shoulder. Her right arm could be slightly bent and resting on her side or hip. (if it bends, then you should bend it) Boy on right has left hand on his thigh and right hand around or on mom's shoulder. Mom could have her arms and hands around her husband on one side and her son on the other side. By doing this, you are encircling and connecting the group which pulls them all together. Hands in group shots can be difficult to place and pose..they write whole chapters on just posing hands..lol. Sometimes it's best to hide or bury them when possible..kind of solves the problem.

Cheers,

Vinnie

[Lynn4519]

Thank you Vinnie. I appreciate you taking the time to give suggestions.
Diana

[keyairuh14]

I agree with the most of the other comments... I feel like the man on the left is not pulled in tight enough. the space between his legs and the woman is a little distracting. If it was pulled in more behind her, and he was up a little more straight it would be near perfect. Great shot all together.

[JoanieA]

Posing families is one of the things I struggle with. To me, the dad looks like he's falling over and mom is leaning away from him. I can't tell you exactly what would've looked better, but having the parents on one side and the kids just next to them seems weird to me. Either a parent on each side of the two kids, turned toward the center. Or the someone in front or behind (?) I dont' know. I guess my biggest complaint is they seem very cold to each other. Dad looks uncomfortable leaning into mom and she looks like she's pulling away from him. But I'm no expert... It is a very nice picture, color and lighting and what not.