What’s Your Preference?

photographiczen · #1 (**permalink**) 05-04-2009, 03:44 PM

After 2 years of not doing much photography I have finally been able to do some freelancing portrait photography and during the 2 hour session I was completely nervous and the 5 year old boy for the most part listened, but I just couldn't get his smile out. So, here's the image... And my question is, "What could I have done differently with this to make it better?" Because, when I look at it, I feel like the quality is ok, but it is still lacking something and i'm not quite sure what it is. Thanks.

Make: Canon
Model: Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XTi
Shutter Speed: 1/1000 second
F Number: F/1.8
Focal Length: 50 mm
ISO Speed: 100

creativechaos · #2 (**permalink**) 05-04-2009, 04:47 PM

I think it's his expression. The flat, forced smile and dull eyes don't convey anything. Honestly, the picture is gorgeous and sharp/in focus...the busy as hell jacket doesn't help a whole lot, but his expression is just off. At least to me, anyhow. Hope that helps

klam · #3 (**permalink**) 05-04-2009, 06:09 PM

The eyes do not appear in focus to me,instead his left sleave is in focus. Maybe not use such a wide open aperature so more of the subject is in focus

christianyanchula · #4 (**permalink**) 05-04-2009, 06:58 PM

Like said the focus was on the jacket and the very front of the hat. The picture is also a little dark and drab. I messed around in photoshop with it. I lightened area's with some fill, also auto leveled. I sharpened it a bit, just to try and get a little more out of the face. I say next time watch your focus points or shoot at like F/4. You dont have to use ISO100, it will look fine with ISO200. With my 40D I about never shoot with ISO100, just because I always have the highlight tone on. Let me know if you want to see how I processed it.

private · #5 (**permalink**) 05-04-2009, 07:00 PM

Next time, tell him you have a secret and then say - Daddy wears Diapers, or something like that. That has even worked for adults...LOL Not my idea but one I picked up at a Seminar.

photographiczen · #6 (**permalink**) 05-04-2009, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by christianyanchula

Like said the focus was on the jacket and the very front of the hat. The picture is also a little dark and drab. I messed around in photoshop with it. I lightened area's with some fill, also auto leveled. I sharpened it a bit, just to try and get a little more out of the face. I say next time watch your focus points or shoot at like F/4. You dont have to use ISO100, it will look fine with ISO200. With my 40D I about never shoot with ISO100, just because I always have the highlight tone on. Let me know if you want to see how I processed it.

sure, let me see your processed version of it. My image hasn't been touched, it was as is out of the camera. My client was going to choose the ones she liked then I would do the touch ups, effects, etc. (Just to let you know)

photographiczen · #7 (**permalink**) 05-04-2009, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by private

Next time, tell him you have a secret and then say - Daddy wears Diapers, or something like that. That has even worked for adults...LOL Not my idea but one I picked up at a Seminar.

lol, nice one, I will have to remember that...Thanks!

christianyanchula · #8 (**permalink**) 05-04-2009, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by photographiczen

sure, let me see your processed version of it. My image hasn't been touched, it was as is out of the camera. My client was going to choose the ones she liked then I would do the touch ups, effects, etc. (Just to let you know)

Oh alright, I didn't know.