Portrait of Five Year Old

[StuffNThings]

Here is my first attempt at using my living room window as my main light. I would love your thoughts and insights on lighting, exposure, and composition. I know I need to work on posing - which I'm finding difficult with children. Thank you!



EXIF Data:
Camera: Nikon D70
Exposure: 0.003 sec (1/400)
Aperture: f/1.8
Focal Length: 50 mm
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: No Flash
ISO: 200

[zenali]

Wow - excellent shot!

It is a little hard for me to tell on my monitor (I'm browsing on a laptop) but the top left corner of her forehead could be a little over-exposed. Other than that, I'd say a really great capture. The reflections of the window in her eyes are great. You could maybe do a bit with a heal brush on a smudge on her face, but really that is just being picky.

[terry3111]

I would place such charm on a cover of fashionable magazine.




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[kgb224]

Outstanding capture.I agree left side is a bit overexposed,but you did an outstanding job.

[capturedbybrooke]

Maybe a bit too noisy? I'd maybe blur out the skin to make it smoother and less noisy. Great job though!

[SusanH1970]

I don't think it's too overexposed (but I tend to like a slight overexposure on kids' portraits and I do it intentionally a lot myself). The only nitpick I have is I don't like how her wrists are chopped - try not to crop at joints. Other than that, great job! A reflector on her left side (camera right) would have helped with making the light a bit more even - the shadows are a touch harsh, and I mean just a touch - her left ear and the hair on that side are significantly darker than the other side. You nailed the focus, her eyes are tack sharp. Really nicely done for the most part!

What's that cool BG?

[Jim Bryant]

Slight overexposure in kids photography = high key effect Love the background and tilt to her head.........nice work!

[StuffNThings]

Thank you everyone for taking the time to reply! I am greatly encouraged by your comments. The background is a white curtain with a rainbow mosquito net in front of it. I did think that it might have been a tad bit overexposed on the left side, but not enough to bother me. I did have a white foam board for a reflector, but couldn't figure out how to hold onto it and my camera at the same time! As far as the noise goes, I think I may have sharpened it too much - I struggle with how much to do. I definitely noticed the wrist chop, but I took what I could get with a wiggly five year old! Here is another from the session. I didn't get the catchlights in this one, but thought it was cute anyway. Thank you again!

[SusanH1970]

What do you mean, no catchlights? I see catchlights! They're not as pronounced as in the first one (those were to die for, by the way!), but they're definitely there. This one is fantastic, great job.

I love the idea of the rainbow mosquito netting, where did you get it? I get so bored with my backdrops!

[Mytusi]

I love the first picture you posted!! If this is the light you have in your living room, I have to say that I am jealous!

Sure, it's a shame that the wrist is cut, but could have been more than that! I love the tilt, nice focus on the eyes, beautiful background... You said you need to work on poses. I actually find the pose really sweet and natural!