family portrait

[jrpix]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jrpix-09/4161043406I am a beginner, so first of all thank you for this website as it has inspired me beyond words. This photo I took and I realize that a reflector would have helped with the shadows under the eyes, does anyone have any recommendations for low cost or home made reflectors?
Any suggestions or comments on this photo are much apprecitated.
Also I love how some of the images on this site have amazing colors and softness, how do I achieve this? thanks in advance...jamie riggleman
canon 50d
65mm
1/160s, f5.0, ISO 500

[idcrewdawg]

Have people remove hats and glasses if it doesn't detract from the 'who they are' factor. You can get reflectors pretty inexpensive on B&H and such sites, shoot in evening times.

Those things will help you get better composition. As far as softness, you have two choices, adjust focus, or use post processing blur.

[zona5101]

Originally Posted by jrpix

2009 family photos on Flickr - Photo Sharing!I am a beginner, so first of all thank you for this website as it has inspired me beyond words. This photo I took and I realize that a reflector would have helped with the shadows under the eyes, does anyone have any recommendations for low cost or home made reflectors?
Any suggestions or comments on this photo are much apprecitated.
Also I love how some of the images on this site have amazing colors and softness, how do I achieve this? thanks in advance...jamie riggleman
canon 50d
65mm
1/160s, f5.0, ISO 500

Those cardboard or folding mylar autobonile window shades make good reflectors. Also plain ol poster board or if you want to get something a little stiffer, a form core board.
So your picture...you did a nice job of keeping most of the direct sun off...mixing direct sun and shade almost never a workable combination. I think your pic is a bit dark and you already recognize the showdows need to be filled in. compositionlly it looks fine...i might want to look for a more consistant background, eaither all big dark trees or all more open skinny trees (or any background that doesn't compete for the viewed attention) So very good job - keep at it and have fun!

[jrpix]

Originally Posted by idcrewdawg

Have people remove hats and glasses if it doesn't detract from the 'who they are' factor. You can get reflectors pretty inexpensive on B&H and such sites, shoot in evening times.

Those things will help you get better composition. As far as softness, you have two choices, adjust focus, or use post processing blur.

thank you for your reply and advise, I will look at b&h as this is where i have found the gear that i have so far..thanx again

[jrpix]

Originally Posted by zona5101

Those cardboard or folding mylar autobonile window shades make good reflectors. Also plain ol poster board or if you want to get something a little stiffer, a form core board.
So your picture...you did a nice job of keeping most of the direct sun off...mixing direct sun and shade almost never a workable combination. I think your pic is a bit dark and you already recognize the showdows need to be filled in. compositionlly it looks fine...i might want to look for a more consistant background, eaither all big dark trees or all more open skinny trees (or any background that doesn't compete for the viewed attention) So very good job - keep at it and have fun!

ohhh, good idea with the window shade, i didn't think of that. good point on the background, i didn't even notice until u pointed it out..but thats why you r the professional and i am the student. thanks so much for your reply and i look forward to learning more. I am a mother of 2 girls and never before in my life have i had such a passion for something aside from my girls...very exciting and rewarding ...i love this stuff :0)

[jrpix]

Originally Posted by jrpix

ohhh, good idea with the window shade, i didn't think of that. good point on the background, i didn't even notice until u pointed it out..but thats why you r the professional and i am the student. thanks so much for your reply and i look forward to learning more. I am a mother of 2 girls and never before in my life have i had such a passion for something aside from my girls...very exciting and rewarding ...i love this stuff :0)

I went back and lightened this photo a bit...when comparing the 2, i agree that the original was dark...thanks again, i really appreciate your help