Help?? First pics using manual mode.

[MicroMommy]

Just got my new camera. Trying to learn using manual mode. I took this pic of my son in the 11am sunlight. I believe the sun was behind me.

Is this lighting and the shadows on his face/body acceptable? Why does his face seem dark? I wanted to get some of the hospital in the background in the photo for sentimental reasons. I had a hard time with framing this though. Any and all comments and critique is so much appreciated!!

I have more shots from this set on my flickr as well.

Manual Mode
Focal Length 135mm
Apertur f/5.0
Shutter Speed 1/1250
ISO 200

[carlyfan]

This is so cute!! What a darling little boy you have! His expression is priceless!

The shadows are the only issue I see here. That time of day is difficult to shoot in. Maybe try moving him into the shade. It looks like there is some shade behind him to the right.

You probably could get the hospital more in the background if you get down lower. Then maybe you could even get his feet in too if you wanted to.

Nice job capturing the moment!

Lisa

[autofocus]

Melanie, judging from the shadows it looks like the sun was pretty much directly overhead...not the best light for photos. Light like this will create shadows like you have here..under the eye sockets, nose, lips etc. As mentioned above, looking for open shade would help this. Another option is to get more light on your subjects face. A reflector or use your on camera flash to fill in the shadows will solve this problem. I think my best suggestion to you is to shoot in P, or auto mode before you try to master manual mode. This shot in auto or P mode with the flash up probably would have yielded better results for you.

Vinnie

[sheila3]

Hi Melanie, Very cute shot! I too am very new to manual mode. And I too hope to learn enough to have a little business. This site is a great place to learn so you have come to the right place. As stated above that time of day creates shadows. If you check out the weekly assignments section I believe there was one where you were supposed to shoot during that time. Think there were tips about how to lose the shadows. Good luck with your adventure and keep posting. Will see you around the site

[MicroMommy]

Thank you guys! You all are so nice. I will definitely put those ideas to work

[carlyfan]

I just looked a your flickr, and you've got some great shots! I love the two where he's looking away and the pond and fountain are in the background. And I see that you did take some in the shade with flowers in the back. Those are great!
Man, he is such a cutie!
Happy shooting!

Lisa

[MicroMommy]

Originally Posted by carlyfan

I just looked a your flickr, and you've got some great shots! I love the two where he's looking away and the pond and fountain are in the background. And I see that you did take some in the shade with flowers in the back. Those are great!
Man, he is such a cutie!
Happy shooting!

Lisa

Thank you! That is so nice. I do like them too, it's just that these were the only salvagable ones out of the whole group that I took lol I didn't understand about the lighting before. I've got my homework cut out for me. I'm excited to get back out there and practice some more. You guys have been great!