Story telling ability... FPJ... a gauge of personal photographic level if i may ask?

[graciousness]

I think perhaps the issue is that you are too close to your subject, hence, your perspective on family story-telling is obscured by too many personal moments that doesn't translate well to everybody else.

In saying that, too, as loving parents and shutter button pushers at the same time (hehe yes that includes me), it is hard to have an editing eye and mind and what to share every single shot we take of our children to everyone else. It is really important in photography to know which photos to share with the world and the discipline in picking out only the absolute stand outs. It's easier to do this when the subject is not so close to our hearts. But with family, esp kids? Tough job.

What about this in theory and practice - in your next sessions, why don't you focus on getting emotions from your subjects (i.e. kid and mama)? Human emotions appeal to everyone and translates well on photographs, esp in photo journalism. Family photo journalism is not just about capturing everyday events and moments, but capturing momentous event in the lives of every day people where it speaks to our emotional values.

For example, your child going down a slide is not enough of a reason to capture on camera to tell that story to the world. We don't even know what is going on in her mind going down that slide. However, if you had managed to capture her moment of glee, fear or dread going down that slide, then this is an image that translates well on photo. It will take people into the mind of your child and her emotion/expression will resonate into the viewer's own emotions as well.

In a story, it's not enough just to have a character (subject). You want to show THEIR character in light or darkness. That is the story itself, not the subject.

[tyasa81]

rachel... thank you for your thoughts and views... when you say incorporate the whole scene instead of part of the scene is that specific to the fountain shot or overall photos? the prime doesn't stop me from chasing after her... more exercise for me is good in fact i actually like using primes now adays... just hate the switching lens part is all... 24 for more environmental shots... 90 for close up expression... i do more 24 than 90 though

(i.e. kid and mama)

mama doesn't like her pics taken esp broadcasted in the net... lol...

In a story, it's not enough just to have a character (subject). You want to show THEIR character in light or darkness. That is the story itself, not the subject.

i think this should be stenciled, carved, and stickied to the top of the people critique page :P thank you... now i got another goal to aim for

[candidrachel]

Originally Posted by graciousness

I think perhaps the issue is that you are too close to your subject, hence, your perspective on family story-telling is obscured by too many personal moments that doesn't translate well to everybody else.

In saying that, too, as loving parents and shutter button pushers at the same time (hehe yes that includes me), it is hard to have an editing eye and mind and what to share every single shot we take of our children to everyone else. It is really important in photography to know which photos to share with the world and the discipline in picking out only the absolute stand outs. It's easier to do this when the subject is not so close to our hearts. But with family, esp kids? Tough job.

What about this in theory and practice - in your next sessions, why don't you focus on getting emotions from your subjects (i.e. kid and mama)? Human emotions appeal to everyone and translates well on photographs, esp in photo journalism. Family photo journalism is not just about capturing everyday events and moments, but capturing momentous event in the lives of every day people where it speaks to our emotional values.

For example, your child going down a slide is not enough of a reason to capture on camera to tell that story to the world. We don't even know what is going on in her mind going down that slide. However, if you had managed to capture her moment of glee, fear or dread going down that slide, then this is an image that translates well on photo. It will take people into the mind of your child and her emotion/expression will resonate into the viewer's own emotions as well.

In a story, it's not enough just to have a character (subject). You want to show THEIR character in light or darkness. That is the story itself, not the subject.

What a great reply! Yes, I so agree about capturing the "emotion" of the moment and as parents we tend to want to show everything our kiddies do to everyone else in the hope that they see what we see. Your right, maybe its because we are emotionally attached to the heart. Maybe for instances like sliding down the slide capure more expressions of glee, exitement, fear (just as graciousness recommends) rather than a photo of her sitting at the end or getting off.