My Daughter

[jfrank2342]

Hey everyone, been a while since I last posted for critique, but I have been shooting/practicing nonetheless. I'm wondering your overall impression of the photo - white balance, color balance, composition - what do you think, would you hire me to photograph your kids?



Exit Data:
Canon 40d
f/4.5
1/50 sec.
ISO-100
50mm

[Murtasma]

I think the white balance and exposure are pretty fine. The composition is lacking for one she's centered in the frame, her expression is just a blank stare, the background has distracting elements such as the car. If you moved her over a little to your left so only the interesting cube panel behind her filled the entire background I think it would hold the viewer interest longer. This may not be possible since I'm not sure how big that object is but I think it makes a nice background. A little post processing to bring out some of the shadows in her hair and under her neck would create a little more pop in the image.

I think getting more of her filling the frame could create a closer intimate image for a parent. Right now the image just looks like a snapshot to me.

Thanks for sharing!

[Benji]

I agree 100% with the above comments.

Today's mom with her inexpensive 8 meg digital camera and the vast amount of information available to her on the 'net has a number of advantages over a professional photographer. She doesn't need to schedule a time that will work for the photographer because SHE is the photographer. The child who may afraid of strangers (or the doctor who will shove a needle in her arm) is never afraid of mom. The child which is sometimes uncomfortable in strange surroundings is never afraid of the grassy back yard where mom may decide to take her for some images nor is she afraid of the living room in the house where mom may drag her. No waiting in line either.

After she shoots 100 or so images of her little angel in the five or six outfits she wanted her dressed in (not just the one that the pro photographer limited her to) she goes inside and loads them into her computer which has Photoshop Elements on it (that she got for free with her ink jet printer.) She is of course expecting perfect expressions because her little angel loves her mommy and mommy gets just that, perfect expressions because she knows the exact buzz words to get that smile. So she crops them, burns or dodges them, straightens 'em up and prints off six or eight copies for about $2.00 worth of paper and ink! Who needs a pro with his high prices, his portrait session fees, his limited time availability and the hassle of waiting in line? PLUS mom can brag to everyone that "I saved a BUNDLE of $$$ because I did it myself!"

Benji

[SusanH1970]

Agreed also with Murtasma, but the white balance does seem a bit off. She looks a bit magenta to me.

Not sure how the other comments are helping the OP?

[Jim Bryant]

First off, not only agreeing with what everyone else said here, there are a few major issues that bother me such as those things in the background sticking out of her head, the colorful objects are a major distraction and she looks like she haunched towards you. Oh! and your burn job is not even.

[RLucas]

Originally Posted by Benji

I agree 100% with the above comments.

Today's mom with her inexpensive 8 meg digital camera and the vast amount of information available to her on the 'net has a number of advantages over a professional photographer. She doesn't need to schedule a time that will work for the photographer because SHE is the photographer. The child who may afraid of strangers (or the doctor who will shove a needle in her arm) is never afraid of mom. The child which is sometimes uncomfortable in strange surroundings is never afraid of the grassy back yard where mom may decide to take her for some images nor is she afraid of the living room in the house where mom may drag her. No waiting in line either.

After she shoots 100 or so images of her little angel in the five or six outfits she wanted her dressed in (not just the one that the pro photographer limited her to) she goes inside and loads them into her computer which has Photoshop Elements on it (that she got for free with her ink jet printer.) She is of course expecting perfect expressions because her little angel loves her mommy and mommy gets just that, perfect expressions because she knows the exact buzz words to get that smile. So she crops them, burns or dodges them, straightens 'em up and prints off six or eight copies for about $2.00 worth of paper and ink! Who needs a pro with his high prices, his portrait session fees, his limited time availability and the hassle of waiting in line? PLUS mom can brag to everyone that "I saved a BUNDLE of $$$ because I did it myself!"

Benji

And you wonder why people blast you? I am also wondering why you think DPS is so mean? Is it because you don't have the GOD status you have on the other site?
Last time I checked, this is Digital Photograhy SCHOOL, not "Let's bash a Newbie"!
I can't see the photo so I can't comment, but Benji coming from a "proffesional" such as yourself, this has to be the lamest and also one of the meanest posts I have ever seen on here.
This post offered absolutely nothing to this thread.
Did someone pour you puffed wheat instead of Frosted Flakes this morning?

[BigFuzzy]

Short answer, no I wouldn't hire you.. but that's mostly because of compositional issues. The background, as noted, is really busy which takes away from the image. Granted, a mother (or father) may not notice these things because it's their kid, but when you're asking other photogs, they will notice, and the background, is as honest as I can say it, bad.

However, the child, in my opinion, looks great. I like the color tones (almost veers on a cross-processing flavor.
I would have used some fill flash or a reflector to get more light in her eyes.

So, in the end, it's a pretty decent start, but not something (to answer your question) that I'd pay for. Background and light are two of the most basic things you need to think of before you ever bring the camera to your eyes.

Originally Posted by Benji

Who needs a pro with his high prices, his portrait session fees, his limited time availability and the hassle of waiting in line? PLUS mom can brag to everyone that "I saved a BUNDLE of $$$ because I did it myself!"Benji

Good thing you have none of those issues (limited time, lines to enter your studio, or high prices), right Benji? Glad to see, upon your return (which you swore you wouldn't do) that you're helpful, friendly, non-arrogant spirit has returned unabated. Welcome back my dear dear friend.

[jfrank2342]

Thanks everyone for the critique, will take helpful suggestions to heart, and will disregard those that were irrelevant!

[Moncee]

Originally Posted by Benji

I agree 100% with the above comments.

Today's mom with her inexpensive 8 meg digital camera and the vast amount of information available to her on the 'net has a number of advantages over a professional photographer. She doesn't need to schedule a time that will work for the photographer because SHE is the photographer. The child who may afraid of strangers (or the doctor who will shove a needle in her arm) is never afraid of mom. The child which is sometimes uncomfortable in strange surroundings is never afraid of the grassy back yard where mom may decide to take her for some images nor is she afraid of the living room in the house where mom may drag her. No waiting in line either.

After she shoots 100 or so images of her little angel in the five or six outfits she wanted her dressed in (not just the one that the pro photographer limited her to) she goes inside and loads them into her computer which has Photoshop Elements on it (that she got for free with her ink jet printer.) She is of course expecting perfect expressions because her little angel loves her mommy and mommy gets just that, perfect expressions because she knows the exact buzz words to get that smile. So she crops them, burns or dodges them, straightens 'em up and prints off six or eight copies for about $2.00 worth of paper and ink! Who needs a pro with his high prices, his portrait session fees, his limited time availability and the hassle of waiting in line? PLUS mom can brag to everyone that "I saved a BUNDLE of $$$ because I did it myself!"

Benji

It is this kind of post that makes People like me , a mom who just wants to understand her hobby, NOT want to post on such a great site as this. I have learned alot here and WILL continue to do so. That said I get nervous and only have posted a few things because of not wanting to deal with people like this. I have noticed several people who always have something negative to say, I know when I post my shots they are no where near great but it is nice to hear what I could do better without the negative stuff.. What saddens me is that I am SURE I am not alone in feeling like this. So far I have been lucky and no one has brought me drama and been really nice . TO quote Toby Keiths Song, "There is one in every crowd ." To the nice helpful people you rock and to the Benjiis out there get over yourself !!!!!!! Have a most wonderful day ............

[candidrachel]

Originally Posted by Benji

I agree 100% with the above comments.

Today's mom with her inexpensive 8 meg digital camera and the vast amount of information available to her on the 'net has a number of advantages over a professional photographer. She doesn't need to schedule a time that will work for the photographer because SHE is the photographer. The child who may afraid of strangers (or the doctor who will shove a needle in her arm) is never afraid of mom. The child which is sometimes uncomfortable in strange surroundings is never afraid of the grassy back yard where mom may decide to take her for some images nor is she afraid of the living room in the house where mom may drag her. No waiting in line either.

After she shoots 100 or so images of her little angel in the five or six outfits she wanted her dressed in (not just the one that the pro photographer limited her to) she goes inside and loads them into her computer which has Photoshop Elements on it (that she got for free with her ink jet printer.) She is of course expecting perfect expressions because her little angel loves her mommy and mommy gets just that, perfect expressions because she knows the exact buzz words to get that smile. So she crops them, burns or dodges them, straightens 'em up and prints off six or eight copies for about $2.00 worth of paper and ink! Who needs a pro with his high prices, his portrait session fees, his limited time availability and the hassle of waiting in line? PLUS mom can brag to everyone that "I saved a BUNDLE of $$$ because I did it myself!"

Benji

And what is your point?? Not everyone wants a cheesy, stilted, boring "portrait" that shows nothing of their child's personality.

To the OP. I like it but agree with the distracting background.