1st Portraits

[dalmorloson]

I took my daughter to a local state park to attempt my 1st portraits. I finally see the challenges of shooting this way without off camera lighting. I know my lighting needs a lot of work, and the kit lens isn't as sharp as I would like. Other than that what do you think I'm lacking or screwing up? I'm posting one of my favorites, but if its not too much to ask, could some of you look at the set on my flickr page and give me some feedback/tips? Much thanks!



Canon EOS REBEL T2i
Exposure 0.013 sec (1/80)
Aperture f/8.0
Focal Length 41 mm
ISO Speed 100

Flickr: dalmorloson's Photostream

[NicolaB]

There are some nice images there. I prefer 1285 and 1271 - she has sultry attitude in that one!

Why? In this one the line of the fence leads you into your daughter, but my eye doesn't rest there, it continues out along the other lines. If you pulled back a little and let the lines continue down the centre of the portrait I think it would have been super. If you look at 1285, the rail leads into her and your eyes rest on your daughter. Again it would be even better if you pulled back a little and used the rot or one of the other photography rules as your eye still wants to pull left.

You may get more what you are looking for if you say exactly what aspect you would like feedback on ;-)

Lovely first portrait images.

[dalmorloson]

Thank you for your time and input. Its funny how when I'm sitting here at the 'puter I know all of this stuff then I get out there and it seems like there is so much to try to remember and get right. I will definately keep these things in mind next time. Thanks again.

[SusanH1970]

Your white balance is waaaaaaay off. She's very magenta/cool and the grey wood looks purple. Your EXIF on Flickr shows you had it set to manual WB, what setting did you use? A grey card would have come in handy for setting custom white balance.

[dalmorloson]

Just looked at my camera. White balance was on flourecent (from pics in the rec room). GRRRR. Soooo much to remember. I shot in RAW and JPEG is it fixable at a later time (when I have and know how to use a post processor)? As far as using a card, I don't have one or a clue about using one...one more thing I have to learn.

[sheila3]

Originally Posted by dalmorloson

Just looked at my camera. White balance was on flourecent (from pics in the rec room). GRRRR. Soooo much to remember. I shot in RAW and JPEG is it fixable at a later time (when I have and know how to use a post processor)? As far as using a card, I don't have one or a clue about using one...one more thing I have to learn.

Hang in there! I am learning this craft also and it is alot to take in. But if you stick with it you will slowly but surely pick up on things. A few months ago I never would have noticed a WB issue in my shots but now I have learned quite a bit about the subject. There is still tons to learn on my end but it is a fun ride. Keep shooting!

[sheila3]

P.S. I love number 1285!

[LoveDSLR]

Beside WB and skin tone adjustments:



Attention to details will help you to avoid doing some of these post processing. Ask yourself these questions before taking the picture:

Have you check your camera & settings?
Is it a good composition?
Are there any distractions in the background?
Are there any elements that you can apply to improve the photo? (complementary colors, framing, leading lines etc.)

[kristenh]

i think you did a nice job overall, especially like the range of nice poses and backgrounds you chose.

[dalmorloson]

Thank you all so much for the help. I know I have a very long way to go, but with help like this I know I will get there. I've only been taking pictures since Christmas and already you guys on this site have been invaluable.