First photo shoot help

[qadkins]

Please let me know what you think. This was from one of my first photo shoots.
I will try to get the Exif data later from my camera.
I was using a Cannon T3 with the 18-55mm lens.
Thanks!

[Rentham]

I'd probably not deliver this image to the client. Light is too hot, too high, and to far to the side. Right side of the face and head is completely blown. Eyes are going completely dark and lifeless. The crop sort of looks like you are trying to remove someone or something from the left side of the frame.

Exposure issues aside, getting light in the eyes is so critical to portraits. Move your light down a bit and toward the front. That should help things immensely. If you can't move the source, then move the subject.

[doctorjames]

Originally Posted by Rentham

Exposure issues aside, getting light in the eyes is so critical to portraits. Move your light down a bit and toward the front. That should help things immensely. If you can't move the source, then move the subject.

This +1

And:

If you cant move things about, think about a second light source. I personally dislike on camera flash fill, but you can try it (If the T3 has, its not a model im familiar with).

Off camera flash better, but remember you are not trying to light the subject, just offer some fill.

Other options: A reflector (cheap at £30 to £50) or a DIY reflector (white card) which will cost you nearly nothing. My father uses this option (the card) to great effect, and laughs at me with off camera flash.... but each to their own

[graciousness]

Sorry, but off camera and reflectors are nice if you have the time and if your client has the patience to wait while you set these up. Looks like the shoot is with family and with children - I find that it is best to free yourself from as much gear setting up as possible and use external, on-camera fill flash with children.

The problem with this photo is that it's shot in bright, midday sun.

What you needed to do is find an open shade to shoot the subjects so you are not getting the direct sun on them. If you have external flash, learn how to use fill flash. The trick with fill-flash is to balance ambient with fill to the point that it's not so obvious that you ahve used flash.

I also agree with Rentham regarding the crop as it does look like you have cropped it to remove someone out of the image. Furthermore, the use of B&W seems like it's an attempt to save the photo.

In shooting this baby, I would have also tried to take the shot with the baby looking up at you so that you can get the light on the eyes. Remember that the eyes are the most important part of portraiture and you need enough clarity and sharpness to make the image work. At the same time, though whilst I mentioned to avoid using too many gears as possible, if the child is young enough and he or she is not moving a lot, you can use reflectors and off -camera flash to the the shots for the best, possible outcome.

By the way, you need to provide EXIF data for critique so that people can advice further on your camera settings that you ahve used.

Cheers,

Grace