Pregnancy Photo

[jjjdolfan]

Here is a shot from a series of photos I took last week of this couple's first pregnancy. I decided to go with a black background , used two lights, a main light (softbox) and a light to the back of the subjects about 35 degrees to camera right, so not exactly a rim light but just enough to separate them from the background.

Opps yes, forgot to mention, Looking for opinions and suggestions. I was looking for a dramatic/elegant look, did I achieve that? How is the pose? should they have been more squared off to the camera? Should I have provided more separation light?

Used Canon 5D Mark II
85mm 1.8 prime lense photo shot at F/8
Shutter 1/80
ISO 160

[Rentham]

Are you looking for critique or just sharing?

[jjjdolfan]

Opps yes, forgot to mention that. Looking for opinions and suggestions. I was looking for a dramatic/elegant look, did I achieve that? How is the pose? should they have been more squared off to the camera? Should I have provided more separation light?

[Rentham]

The lighting is dramatic in that there is a lot of shadow. But the blacks are crushed to the point where your subjects are bleeding into the background. I think a fill light along with more rim would have helped in that area.

For me the posing the most problematic part. Hands making a heart on the belly is the most cliche shot possible for maternity, imo.

[Ginger Pixie]

I think it is a little dark, there is not enough separation. More rim light and maybe a reflector angled towards her face?

[jjjdolfan]

Thank you, helpful. yes the heart shape with the hands is over done but this is just one shot that she really liked of a series of shots.

@Gingerpixie took a look at some of your shots on flickr and love them, great shots. Have to mention I love your black background shots but funny thing is your shots have very little rim lighting as well and seem to fade into the background. I personally like that look.. all well

Thanks for the advice.

[zona5101]

Originally Posted by jjjdolfan

Thank you, helpful. yes the heart shape with the hands is over done but this is just one shot that she really liked of a series of shots.

@Gingerpixie took a look at some of your shots on flickr and love them, great shots. Have to mention I love your black background shots but funny thing is your shots have very little rim lighting as well and seem to fade into the background. I personally like that look.. all well

Thanks for the advice.

wow, no shit, somebody gives you some feedback and you go with the "yours aren't any better" reply...Good luck to you.

[jjjdolfan]

@Zona, yes you are correct and I apologize. When you put your photo out to be Critiqued you should just take the advice and move on.

@Ginger, meant no disrespect I said I enjoyed your work. Thanks for your input.

Have a great weekend.