Not sure....

[ssshumack]

Well I took the photos like I said and I took everyone's advice and stayed in modes that I was most comfortable in. I tried taking some in aperture mode, portrait mode and in auto mode. I ending taking this one is auto mode b/c everytime I looked through the viewfinder, it was focusing on the bracket to the right. I wasn't sure if that was going to work, so I just switch to auto mode.



My concerns are the composition and coloring on this. I have GIMP and did a lot of pp'ing, mainly on contrast and saturation. Is it too much or not enough and also what would you do different? I also think that maybe the sky on the upper left and parts of Mark's shirt are blown out. Am I right and what can I do about it? Any other tips and suggestions are greatly appreciated!

PS - If anyone needs for me to upload the original to Flickr, I will.

Exposure: 0.02 sec (1/50)
Aperture: f/4.8
Focal Length: 35 mm
Exposure Bias: 0/6 EV
Flash: Flash did not fire
ISO Speed: 400
Digital Vari-Program: AUTO

[Nathan deGargoyle]

A little crop would get rid of most of the blown out sky and bring their heads close to the top left third intersection at the same time.

[dlaf]

I gotta say I was a bit confused by all the legs and feet scattered about. I kept looking for his other foot, then took another look and saw it was HER other foot I couldn't see! I think his legs just look too stiff - kind of like a doll sitting with it's feet pointing straight up. I know there's nothing you can do about it now, and maybe it's just me anyway. I do like Nathan's crop better, but I can't take my eyes off the legs/feet. Sorry!

Maybe next time have the man bend the knee closest to the camera to "embrace" the woman more and maybe give him something to lean on. Just a thought. From a non-professional.

Debbie

[dhart]

I have a D80 and it also likes to "help" with the focus point. To move it back to where you want it, press the AE-L/AF-L button that is to the right of the viewfinder, and try moving the wheel. I move the wheel that is by the shutter, but since your camera doesn't have that wheel, try the back wheel.

Oh, and if anyone knows how to lock the darn thing in place, please let me know!

[ssshumack]

Originally Posted by dlaf

I gotta say I was a bit confused by all the legs and feet scattered about...Debbie

I also noticed that last night after I transfered to the computer! I didn't even think about the feet while I was taking the photo. But I was trying to figure out where I would sit. It's not just you, the feet bothered me too. If I can get him to do this again, he acted like it was killing him, I will pay more attention to that.

Originally Posted by Nathan deGargoyle

A little crop would get rid of most of the blown out sky and bring their heads close to the top left third intersection at the same time.

Thanks! That does look better.

Originally Posted by dhart

I have a D80 and it also likes to "help" with the focus point. To move it back to where you want it, press the AE-L/AF-L button that is to the right of the viewfinder, and try moving the wheel. I move the wheel that is by the shutter, but since your camera doesn't have that wheel, try the back wheel....

I knew that there was a way, I just couldn't remember what it was. Thanks for reminding me! I was just in a hurry b/c my husband said he was freezing!!! He's just a weenie!!!!!

[Dodgeinart]

I also Nathans crop. Yes you are right about the blown sky, and the angle of the legs.
A couple things I might change would be how she is holding his wrist, almost more like don't touch me than an intimate touch.
The location seems pretty good although that log is splitting his head. Camera needs to go up or down to give the top of his head back
I don't believe that everyone has to look into the lens, but have them looking at least the same direction.
Yikes I just re-read and this seems kind of harsh. I don't intend it that way so hopefully no offense taken. Hopefully this helps you improve, again sorry it comes across so harsh.

[ssshumack]

Originally Posted by Dodgeinart

Yikes I just re-read and this seems kind of harsh. I don't intend it that way so hopefully no offense taken. Hopefully this helps you improve, again sorry it comes across so harsh.

HAHA....no this is not harsh at all. Matter of fact while I was reading it I was laughing. This is my husband & me and I tell him all the time "You're touching me!!!!"......I guess I was nervous and in a hurry b/c I was using the timer and trying to get into position and all that. I hadn't notice the log until now. And I get the whole looking in the same direction deal. I had picked out something that we were both suppose to be looking at, I just guess we were not looking at the same spot! Thanks. Everything you said makes perfect sense!

[sk66]

You're trying to accomplish the IMPOSSIBLE.
Compose the shot, position the one individual, start the timer, get into position, hold nice look, keep holding, did the timer go off?(using the flash really weak or some such really helps), ok, go check picture and try again. It probably WAS killing him!
Sheesh!
About the only way to reliably pull this off is with a large mirror and a remote release (preferably wireless).