Kids Portrait in a Tree

[Annie183]

Hi - This is my first post. Just looking for some feedback. I'm new to photography. Thanks!


Camera: Canon EOS 50D
Exposure: 0.017 sec (1/60)
Aperture: f/8.0
Focal Length: 28 mm
ISO Speed: 200
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Off, Did not fire
Exposure Program: Aperture-priority AE

[SusanH1970]

I don't see a photo or EXIF?

[Annie183]

I think I got the picture attached this time

[SusanH1970]

Would you mind posting your EXIF? You can check out the forum guidelines if you like. What would you like critique on?

[Annie183]

Originally Posted by SusanH1970

Would you mind posting your EXIF? You can check out the forum guidelines if you like. What would you like critique on?

I'll do better on my next post I'm most interested in getting thoughts on the composition. Thank you!

Canon 50D
f8
1/60
200 ISO
28mm

[SusanH1970]

Originally Posted by Annie183

I'll do better on my next post I'm most interested in getting thoughts on the composition. Thank you!

Canon 50D
f8
1/60
200 ISO
28mm

Thanks for posting your EXIF and clarifying.

It's a cute shot, but I'm not wild about the composition. With both kids going in opposite directions and the big branch in the middle, my eyes just kind of want to go everywhere, but seem to settle on the branch, and there's no connection with the kids. Also, watch for limb chops (foot, elbow and knee are chopped here).

A suggestion might be to have both kids on the same branch, perhaps one behind the other or facing each other, and use the branches to frame them. Does that make any sense? LOL

The side of the shot with the little boy I like - it's a good angle for his face, and I love how he's "hugging" the branch - frames him nicely.

Keep shooting! You're off to a good start.

[irishmuth]

Originally Posted by SusanH1970

The side of the shot with the little boy I like - it's a good angle for his face, and I love how he's "hugging" the branch - frames him nicely.

My thoughts exactly. I'm sure you would love for this be an ideal photo of both kids, but it really works much better for the boy for the reasons Susan mentioned about disconnect between the two. I was going to suggest cropping the photo and using it as a truly fantastic shot of the boy. Hopefully the young girl won't feel slighted...she is equally beautiful but the framing for the boy is just ideal.

Love the colors in the shot. Nice job!

[Annie183]

Originally Posted by irishmuth

My thoughts exactly. I'm sure you would love for this be an ideal photo of both kids, but it really works much better for the boy for the reasons Susan mentioned about disconnect between the two. I was going to suggest cropping the photo and using it as a truly fantastic shot of the boy. Hopefully the young girl won't feel slighted...she is equally beautiful but the framing for the boy is just ideal.

Love the colors in the shot. Nice job!

Thanks very much to you both for the feedback. That's very helpful!

[dblightsey]

I like the shot myself. One of the things I find a little distracting is the red leaves right in the middle of the shot maybe you can PP them out. If the kids were on the limbs but leaning in towards the middle so that they were together it would be less distracting as well. I love the color and clarity.

[ncbcymtechie]

Also for whatever reason, the boy seems a little better lit than the girl, whose face feels a tab underexposed. Additionally with the aperture at f/8, there's going to be quite a bit of depth of field and while I like that I can distinguish the leaves, I was wondering what if you opened up a bit to soften it out so that there are some things that aren't in focus so as our eyes can stay on the kids' faces.

And yes, I would agree that having the heads on opposite sides forces my eyes to dart back and forth. But still, they look like they're having fun and it's a nicely done shot!