Portrait or does it scream "snapshot!"

[candidrachel]

For once this photo is not of my beloved son or daughter! It is of a little friend of my daughter. We got the paddling pool out today.

My questions are:

How is the compostion? Is the lighting OK? Overall how could I improve this photo? She was a real star! Very happy to be photographed and very compliant!

Camera Canon EOS 550D
Exposure 0.017 sec (1/60)
Aperture f/6.3
Focal Length 97 mm
ISO Speed 100
Exposure Bias +1 EV

[zona5101]

I think it is well composed. The skin exposure looks good too. Two things that I notice...one is the reflection on the hair. It looks blown so you probably can't pull it back in post. It's kind of a neat effect but the draw back like we've all read 100 times, is our eyes are drawn to the brightest spot... so the top of the head isn't ideal. The second thing would be the lack of a catchlight. Now, they aren't a "requirement" but they are nice and give sparkle and life to the eye. In this particular instance with the sun behind the subject you would have to use your reflector (or flash) to bounce some light into the eyes. Overall I see more positives than any negatives. nicely done.

[candidrachel]

Thanks for the feedback . I thought a white towel would suffice for a reflector but I suppose it didn't work too well. I didn't notice the shiny hair thing until you pointed it out and now I can't stop looking at it. Her hair was damp so I think that enhanced the sheen even more. The photo was taken around 4pm so the sun was getting slightly lower in the sky and I wanted to get a nice backlit look but I'll work on my skills on that.

I'm not too good at fill flash. It takes many shots to get it to look "natural" but like Big Fuzzy suggests its important to learn it in fact all aspects of lighting!

Here is another shot from yesterday. I don't know if you feel its slightly overexposed but here goes:

Exposure 0.013 sec (1/80)
Aperture f/6.3
Focal Length 97 mm
ISO Speed 100
Exposure Bias 0 EV

[chalkie7]

I certainly wouldn't call this a snap Rachel...far from it. Yes, there are blown out areas (hair and left shoulder), but so what...sometimes it just doesn't matter. For me, the shot works...the pose is good and looks natural, skin tones are nice and the crop/composition is spot on. There's quite a retro feel to it too which I like. The only thing I'd do is have a play with the contrast and levels a little...give it a bit of a boost!

[RLucas]

I am going to agree with Chalkie on this one Rachel. I like that there is a little back light here, and there is a little haze which softens it up at bit. I think you did very well with the harsh mid day sun.

[zona5101]

yup! this second one maybe just needs the black point pushed up a bit!

[docxnoel]

On the first photo, I totally agree that there are some blown out areas on the hair and shoulder, but I don't care...as long as you well focused on the subject, LOL, For me the harness of light compliments to the feeling of excitement and happiness under the sun...I like how she posed and smile..I like how the lights highlighted her hair.

On the second photo, the exposed area does not compliment to the subject, maybe in a manner how she posed, so adjust exposure especially on the lower part.

[graciousness]

I love her face and I love her freckles!! You have done so well despite of the harsh sun - you should be proud!!

Welcome to your summer

[BigFuzzy]

Actually, they're quite ok (i'd say "nice" but I don't want you to stop trying so hard!) . I like the side/back lighting as long as the face is exposed correctly and that's pretty much the case here (I say 'pretty much' because I think you did some fill-light editing? I could be wrong, could be the 'reflector).

The one thing that stood out to me that I think it easily fixed is the forced smile.. well, it feels a bit forced to me. Again, maybe I'm wrong, if so sorry. But I tend to think these images work a lot better with a more relaxed, natural face looking into the camera (don't read that to mean 'serious' that ruins photos as well). So next time, tell her she doesn't have to smile if she doesn't want to.

A trick i use with kids is to tell them "Look into the lens, can you see the shutter opening/closing in the back?" Many times works great.. many times can also cause them to squint.. just something to keep in your pocket for next time.
Keep going.. seeing lots of improvements from you lately because you're starting to really think about your images instead of simply capturing nice/cute moments.


Sorry I just saw this.. was away when you posted it and since you invoked my name, i had to give you some love!

[candidrachel]

Thank you BigFuzzy. You rock! I am really trying to use your advice. Remember my past post about me always taking snaps from the same angle like standing up with camera in hand? well I tried something different for a change! In fact I haven't even picked up the camera the last couple of weeks because instead of snapping away willy nilly I'm actually thinking more about what I'm supposed to be doing = less photos.

I find that kids that aren't used to being photographed are nearly the always the ones who use that "forced" smile. I was trying stop her from doing it but she was so sweet and really enjoyed being on centre stage for a change (long story).

Once again thanks! I know it's a bit of a cheek but I did post a recent pic and gave it a title "Flash Bang what a crap Picture". I'd really appreciate it if you had a peek and gave me some of your wisdom. I've already had loads of great replies which I have learnt from but it would be also beneficial to hear from you!