Where did I go wrong?

[OsmosisStudios]

Tried a simple High pass filter?

Duplicate layer
filter > high pass
Set a pixel size JUST large enough to be able to see the outlines FAINTLY.
Ok
Set layer to Overlay, adjust opacity as needed.

[BigFuzzy]

I can see the lack of sharpness, and see the noise (mostly on the the two leftmost subjects), so it's not you. I just think that in general it's not taking away too much from the image. The softness on the two left most subjects and the rightmost gentleman would bother me as well if I took the photo.

To answer your question, I think the 50mm is fine for that sort of shot, just trying to get closer to f/8 might help. If you have to, bump up the ISO a bit to ensure a fast shutter speed(don't know what you used originally) especially if you have LR3 which is amazing for noise reduction!

What was the shutterspeed? I can't seem to see it on the post nor on flickr. That would help us give suggestions. I'm assuming it's pretty slow, which might account for some of the softness?

Originally Posted by LeeR

Not perfect, but better.

Normally, when you shoot with the sun at the subjects back you want to make sure you are using fill flash. It's nice to have a bit of glow around people's heads, but a four or five stop difference is just too much to get a great image.

And to add a differing opinion, I disagree with LeeR on both points. I don't think it's better in his version, I like your original better because of the hazyness, to me it's an integral part of the image. Having said that, I would probably boost the contrast a bit on the people selectively (especially their faces), not touching the background/haze.

I also disagree about the rim lighting (in this image). I like the brightness of them.. it helps separate the people from the bg in a natural way. Makes the whole thing feel very warm, which to me for this sort of fam portrait, is appropriate.

Good luck on your next attempt!

[BigFuzzy]

Originally Posted by tharp

I'm gonna get run off the board for this, but MANY times if I can't get the sun flair I need, I compose the shot "properly" with good color and contrast and (cough cough) ADD the effect later in LR or PS. First and foremost is getting the color and contrast right. Second is effect. IMO

Examples please