Would like critique on set

[Tzetsin]

My cousin rooked me into doing some pictures of her family. She saw some of my images and somehow decided that because I can make photographs that look absolutely nothing like photographs that I'd somehow be a great choice to make photographs that look like photographs of her family...

She didnt give me much time either. I set up in my living room on a big chaise lounge. I didnt really realize it until after, but pretty much everthing in the background is yellowish, which really sets the tone for all the shots, which kinda sucks, but anyway...

This is one of the shots and the rest (just a few) are here



Specs are:

F/8
sp 200
iso 320
fl 95mm

2 speedlights behind umbrellas triggered via radio.

I'm not sure about the color balance because almost everything is very close to skin tone.

One other thing, I'm aware the composition of some of the kids could be a lot better, but those are the ones they wanted, even against my suggestions, so theres nothing I can do about it.

So, I kinda figure these are done, but I'm honestly not really happy with them yet. I just cant put my finger on it. I'll leave it up to you guys to tear them apart and school me properly ;D

Please.

-Jason

[Jeremy Tan]

What a beautiful family! These are all pretty great shots, considering you set up under such circumstances! I am a big sucker for eye contact though, and the kids all looking off in the same direction is a little distracting. I also think the plant in the background could be moved.

I simply love "colin-940" and love love love "colin2-940." Great shots! I'm kind of an amateur though, so pardon me rubbing my nose up in yo bizniz!

[Tzetsin]

Your right about the kids. Good luck getting kids all look at you at the same time without an experienced assistant though lol. At least they're all looking in the same direction... ;D I've another family shot that was "my" favorite, and they liked it too, but thought this one would be better to give to grandparents because collin was looking a wee bit strange in the other one.

Thank you for looking, and the kind words.

[NgaiHill]

Nice shots Tzetsin. I think you have really nailed the skin tones, lighting looks good too.
I see what you mean about the composition with the kids. The group shot - the feet in the foreground and the way the kids are looking off camera is a little distracting. The shot of the whole family together looks a little awkward too, faces are hidden and one of the kids looks like he is trying to escape
Absolutely love that close-up of Colin though, just gorgeous!

[Tzetsin]

Originally Posted by NgaiHill

Nice shots Tzetsin. I think you have really nailed the skin tones, lighting looks good too.
I see what you mean about the composition with the kids. The group shot - the feet in the foreground and the way the kids are looking off camera is a little distracting. The shot of the whole family together looks a little awkward too, faces are hidden and one of the kids looks like he is trying to escape
Absolutely love that close-up of Colin though, just gorgeous!

Thank you Lisa, Its the skin tones that really have me worried. Theres not much more I can do about the composition and the pictures themselves now, after the fact, but I've got plenty of time to make sure I don't screw up the editing.

I really lack experience with portraiture, though I really enjoy it. Unfortunately my lifestyle doesn't allow me to work on that style of photography very often.

She has told me in no uncertain terms that I "WILL" be shooting her wedding next year. I seriously dont want to, and told her so. She is insisting saying that "I shouldn't sell myself short" lol as if i am... I'm not. I know, I know a lot about photography, I also know enough about wedding photography to know that I don't know enough. *sigh* maybe I'll just tell her I'll do it and hire a professional for her...

[Jeremy Tan]

You really shouldn't "sell yourself short," haha. These are some great photographs and I'm sure you will rise to the occasion! If you're really that worried about it, it's OK to hire a backup to take extra photographs (most weddings these days have two photographers hired anyway) but it's definitely good experience for you to take her up on her offer!

I can't wait to see more! If you can spare it, maybe you can schedule another family session with your cousin, this time, under your circumstances. Maybe outdoors or in your studio with some lighting equipment and borrowed furniture.

We believe in ya! /thumbs up/