B+W photo (newbie)

[madmumof2]

Hi everyone. I'm completely new to photography, don't know much at all to be honest, but I've been told I create photos with good composition and 'have an eye' for good shots, so I'm taking a photography course in may, and hope to do it professionally some day.

I've always loved taking photos but never thought I was any good.

This is one of my favourite shots of my children. It was taken on a Finepix camera (can't rememeber the model) and that one didn't have many options so I suppose it's pretty much auto.

If I want to get ahead, I don't want to listen to people saying my pictures are great, I need to hear what's wrong with it too, which is why I joined up today.

What do you think?

[windrider86]

First I'd like to welcome you to DPS!!! We're glad you are here. Second I would like to suggest that you read the guidlines that are posted at the top of the page. That way you'll be an expert contributer in no time and will no all the do's and don'ts.
Here you go:
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[swilliams61]

I like the idea of the composition, but what really hurts this shot for me is the background. Not only the bars, but the cars and buildings. If you can't move the subjects, maybe move your position for the best possible background.

[ncbcymtechie]

I do love the composition, and I don't feel that the bars detract anything. It feels like "Two Children in Suburbia" (that's what I'd call the photo). In fact, the B&W is a very nice touch. But it feels like there's too much light for me. In my opinion, conversion to black and white should be used to bring out contrasts and things previously hidden in a color version. That's lacking for me here. It feels too safe, too warm and happy. There's a sort of rawness and age that comes from good black and white (all in my opinion). Here's the sort of thing I was looking for in your image—do you get what I'm trying to say? (It may not be working, as I seem to be babbling...)

[Lorianne]

Yep, you have a good eye I really like the composition, even the bars. If I was to do anything to this shot, I would bounce a little light into the little girls face with a reflector. That will make the light on her cheek a little less harsh and let us see her pretty face

[madmumof2]

Thank you for your replies. I like the bars too, but am glad to have people tell me what could be improved rather than just saying it's nice lol. It was difficult that day, it was taken on the hottest brightest day of the year lol. I didn't know about reflectors back then, but will definitely remember that for next time.