First Post-Daughters Senior Prom

[kimsburger]

This is all very new to me, but would love to improve. This was taken in the early afternoon (sun blinding) and I tried taking her into some shade & found this door. The shade helped a great deal with the glaring sun, but then she seemed a little flat. I didn't use a flash, but am now wondering if I should have?? Your help is appreciated



Camera Canon T2i
Exposure 1/160
Focal length 80mm
ISO 100

[oldwolf]

I would've used a flash camera left just to give her face some shadows to lend it some 3 dimensionality.

Otherwise it's a nice pose. Watch cutting off the toes/feet though.

[Niresangwa]

It's underexposed for a start... once the skin takes on that grey, dull look that's a given. However, the good news is that it's something that is easy to correct in post. In actual fact, I try to err on the side of being slightly underexposed, precisely because it can be 'fixed'... if you overexpose, well, good luck.

The only caveat to this is you need some light in the eyes to work with, and they seem pretty dark.. at this resolution, size and distance with such heavy make up however, its hard to know what you would actually have to work with.

Given you say you're new to all of this, I don't know the extent to which you'd be able do what ought to be done here, though.

A quick levels adjustment would not only remedy the exposure issues, but would also deliver some contrast to give it a little more zip.

Otherwise, it's a tight frame, witht he shoe cropped off. Someone may cry about that, but it's not a complete distraction as far as I"m concerned...who really needs to see the sole of her shoe anyways? She doesn;t look immensely comfortable, (but who would in a gown sitting in a concrete doorway?)... again, a minor niggle...

Hard to tell how the focus is at this size, so it's hard to comment on your settings, especially without knowing what aperture you were at.

The composition isn't bad, and it works for me. The textures of the door and wall work against her and how she's dressed.

All in all, it's a nice shot, the major issue of underexposure being a non-issue that could be redressed in post... other issues are very minor and don't detract from the shot for me.

Edit: quick re-work of the shot you posted... as usual, the 'working on a small image for only a minute' caveat applies

Very quick levels adjustment, a bump in contrast, slight vibrance bump. If you'd like me to remove it, just let me know.

[zona5101]

Its a very nice image. IAn alternative to flash: a bit of bounce reflector would have been just the ticket to get a little more contrast in the light. Also I think you have a little room to punch this up a bit. The color is a bit flat - a curves adjustment and maybe a pinch of vibrance.

[edbayani]

nice image though it could stand a little processing. would look nicer if the clavicle which is very visible be subdued.

[justhe9ofus]

I agree with the underexposure I would say that my eye was drawn to her legs and I'm not sure that's where you want them to be drawn to.

[High_Speed]

Very nice shot. She looks beautiful, and is in a very natural looking pose. Lovely subject. All it needs is post processing. Yes, it appears underexposed a bit, but that's fine.

Here's a quick edit, if you don't mind, to give you an idea. I also sharpened the eyes a little bit.

I think some fill flash might have added a bit to this image, but only if you kept it very minimal.

[Rentham]

Originally Posted by justhe9ofus

my eye was drawn to her legs and I'm not sure that's where you want them to be drawn to.

Why not? She has nice legs (no pedo), they're creating a dynamic angle with a strong triangle shape, and they lead me into the frame. I think it is a nice shot, but agree that it needs a bit of post. Nice looking wardrobe, hair, makeup, etc. I like the accessories.

The one thing I would have liked to see is her less camera aware. Maybe with her looking off camera right with a more serious expression. That's generally a matter of taste though. Overall, real nice job.

[High_Speed]

Here's another direction for this photo. I kinda like it.

[3bayjunkie]

Beautiful girl, Congrats! Beautiful dress choice as well. and great pose

Originally Posted by Niresangwa

It's underexposed for a start... once the skin takes on that grey, dull look that's a given. However, the good news is that it's something that is easy to correct in post. In actual fact, I try to err on the side of being slightly underexposed, precisely because it can be 'fixed'... if you overexpose, well, good luck.

The only caveat to this is you need some light in the eyes to work with, and they seem pretty dark.. at this resolution, size and distance with such heavy make up however, its hard to know what you would actually have to work with.

Given you say you're new to all of this, I don't know the extent to which you'd be able do what ought to be done here, though.

A quick levels adjustment would not only remedy the exposure issues, but would also deliver some contrast to give it a little more zip.

Otherwise, it's a tight frame, witht he shoe cropped off. Someone may cry about that, but it's not a complete distraction as far as I"m concerned...who really needs to see the sole of her shoe anyways? She doesn;t look immensely comfortable, (but who would in a gown sitting in a concrete doorway?)... again, a minor niggle...

Hard to tell how the focus is at this size, so it's hard to comment on your settings, especially without knowing what aperture you were at.

The composition isn't bad, and it works for me. The textures of the door and wall work against her and how she's dressed.

All in all, it's a nice shot, the major issue of underexposure being a non-issue that could be redressed in post... other issues are very minor and don't detract from the shot for me.

Edit: quick re-work of the shot you posted... as usual, the 'working on a small image for only a minute' caveat applies

Very quick levels adjustment, a bump in contrast, slight vibrance bump. If you'd like me to remove it, just let me know.

Good job!

Originally Posted by High_Speed

Very nice shot. She looks beautiful, and is in a very natural looking pose. Lovely subject. All it needs is post processing. Yes, it appears underexposed a bit, but that's fine.

Here's a quick edit, if you don't mind, to give you an idea. I also sharpened the eyes a little bit.

I think some fill flash might have added a bit to this image, but only if you kept it very minimal.

too much saturation.

Originally Posted by High_Speed

Here's another direction for this photo. I kinda like it.

eh, i like the color version better.