First portraits shot on my first DSLR

[Chippie]

Hi everyone just wondering what you think I can do differently on my portrait shots. Believe I have no idea what Im really doing, Ive just been reading what lense to use and basic things like that. Im just hoping for some hints and tips so I am able to take better photos for my children to have as memories! Thanks everyone!

[wulf]

Put your camera away and sit down with either a book of child photos you like or somewhere you can get online. Browse through lots of images and, for the ones you like, do some sketches. Don't spend a lot of time over it but just create an impression of how the photo is frame, where things like hands and eyes fit and perhaps indicating lighting and background elements.

Now you can set about recreating similar results with your children. To some extent, it is copying but copying to learn (like artists study the work of great masters) rather than copying to deceive. The process of sketching also helps to place some distance between you and the the original images, especially as you elaborate with your own ideas (eg. what if I changed the framing?) and adapt to your own situation, equipment and skills.

Wulf

[Vrinda]

Originally Posted by Chippie

Hi everyone just wondering what you think I can do differently on my portrait shots. Believe I have no idea what Im really doing, Ive just been reading what lense to use and basic things like that. Im just hoping for some hints and tips so I am able to take better photos for my children to have as memories! Thanks everyone!

Aww, that's a sweet picture, and a sweet kid.

The only suggestion I have just now is that using a diffuser would help soften the image a little, rather than using a harsh flash. Or you could even just use natural lighting and a reflector. Or bounce the flash off a wall or ceiling.

Looking forward to seeing more portraits from you as you experiment!