Child Portrait

[havlikn]

Thoughts?? I think it turned out a little bright on the upper section. How to combat and keep the color on the child the same?

Camera: Canon
Model: Canon EOS 40D
ISO: 100
Exposure: 1/125 sec
Aperture: 5.6
Focal Length: 135mm
Flash Used: No

[kevingeary]

I don't necessarily think it's too bright. Here's my list:

1. I think the lighting is just flat and boring.

2. I'll say it again: watch your backgrounds. The background kills this image.

3. You severed his fingers. Poor kid.

4. Need to find a way to pop light back into the eyes (reflector or better positioning of subject).

5. The vertical stripes on the hat and the horizontal on the shirt clash and don't work for me.

6. A little more warmth in the white balance might work better.

Hope that helps.

[BigFuzzy]

I agree with Kevin in all his comments, and the reason (in case you don't know) that the light is 'flat and boring' is because you shot it in the middle of the day.

Bright, mid-day light washes out colors and flattens the subject by killing all the shadows (and killing any depth in the image as well).

This can be rectified in one of three ways (at least):
1. don't shoot in the harsh midday sun. Yes I know it's tough with a kid, but still, shooting him in more favorable times (look up Golden Hour if you're not already familiar).
2. Get him in open shade. That will soften the light and give you more flattering directional light.
3. Use flash. This one requires the most skill/knowledge/practice to get right, but if done well you can shoot any time of the day and even overpower the sun. And no, this will not happen with your pop-up flash.

Good use of DoF, and it seems sharp. But yeah, always think composition (cut off limbs) and background (distracting chair) before even clicking the shutter. Again, yes I know it's tough with a kid, but get used to thinking it so when you're photographing a non-child, you'll be used to thinking about these elements.
Good luck.

[graciousness]

Big Fuzzy Al, can I just tell you you're the best????

Yeah, you are. You give the most in-depth, thoughtful critique and I just wanted you to know that people are very lucky when they receive one of yours.

You. Rule. Period.

[docxnoel]

Originally Posted by graciousness

Big Fuzzy Al, can I just tell you you're the best????

Yeah, you are. You give the most in-depth, thoughtful critique and I just wanted you to know that people are very lucky when they receive one of yours.

You. Rule. Period.

Agree, from his post, not just the OP is learned but also the reader...he is not just pointing out what is missing/wrong but also offers possible solution.

Hi Graciousness, thanks for the tips, it really helps, now I'm ready for the next event. (next practice, I mean...LOL)

[havlikn]

Thanks for in-depth feedback. Will utilize in the near future.

[BigFuzzy]

Thanks guys, just trying to help.

[candidrachel]

Originally Posted by graciousness

Big Fuzzy Al, can I just tell you you're the best????

Yeah, you are. You give the most in-depth, thoughtful critique and I just wanted you to know that people are very lucky when they receive one of yours.

You. Rule. Period.

+1! I have actually copied and saved for future reference some tips and tricks Big Fuzzy replied to one of my previous posts. Big Fuzzy rocks!

I also pm'ed Kevingeary today to give thanks because he always gives proper "what could I do to improve this shot" critique and suggestions!

It's important to be grateful

[mariselafm]

I second the appreciative sentiments towards such helpful critiques. I have only been shooting in M for a few days and I am learning so much reading all these posts. I check them every day.
I laugh when I think that if I didn't, I would think I was producing fantastic pictures HAHAHA

[Peely22]

+1 again for Big Fuzzy's warm views.

As I read through the thread it hit me. Not just what was critiqued, but the way the critique is delivered.
Sometimes people forget the difference between critique and critisism; or deliver the first without any care.
Well educated, balanced and true.