Would you pay for this at a special session?

[windrider86]

It takes time. I dont use either (have CS3 but never use it) but can sure do my best to help you. What did you want to do differently?
I do have to leave for work now but will be back on afterwhile

[SusanH1970]

It's a cute image and a very popular idea that parents just love! I've seen a lot of these types of photos on other photographers' websites.

Composition-wise, you could get their legs and feet a tad closer. Also, perhaps have one crossing right over left, and the other crossing left over right - though not that big a deal. They're chopped off at the knees and the bottom of the girl's dress is a bit distracting. Like Windrider said, I do like the jeans being rolled up on the other child, though, very cute!

The high ISO did make it a bit noisy, but that can be fixed a bit in PP. It seems to need a little more contrast - I love BW conversions for this type of shot, but this one looks a little muddy.

You're off to a good start, though.

ETA: I just realized I pretty much echoed everything Windrider said, LOL!

[lynweber]

Originally Posted by SusanH1970

Composition-wise, you could get their legs and feet a tad closer. Also, perhaps have one crossing right over left, and the other crossing left over right - though not that big a deal. They're chopped off at the knees and the bottom of the girl's dress is a bit distracting. Like Windrider said, I do like the jeans being rolled up on the other child, though, very cute!

The high ISO did make it a bit noisy, but that can be fixed a bit in PP. It seems to need a little more contrast - I love BW conversions for this type of shot, but this one looks a little muddy.

So how can I make it less noisy? I know I should turn down the ISO should I do this in manual and if so what would be a good aperture? Or does that really matter on a shot like this.

As far as contrast how can i fix that? Should I sharpen and stuff first before turning to BW or is there a different way of using BW that would turn out better see post above for how I did it.

[SusanH1970]

Originally Posted by lynweber

So how can I make it less noisy? I know I should turn down the ISO should I do this in manual and if so what would be a good aperture? Or does that really matter on a shot like this.

As far as contrast how can i fix that? Should I sharpen and stuff first before turning to BW or is there a different way of using BW that would turn out better see post above for how I did it.

What type of light did you use? If you have better lighting (even shot by really good window light coming in with something for reflection on the opposite side), you can use a lower ISO. ISO cannot be adjusted in full Auto, but can be in any of the manual/semi-manual modes. Opening up your aperture will help too, obviously - but you'll need to watch where you focus even more carefully. What mode did you take this in? Program, Aperture Priority, Auto?

Sharpening should be the last thing you do in PP. Contrast can be adjusted using the contrast/brightness tool (one of many ways to do so, some swear by curves, but it's a good way to start when learning).

[lynweber]

Originally Posted by SusanH1970

What type of light did you use? If you have better lighting (even shot by really good window light coming in with something for reflection on the opposite side), you can use a lower ISO. ISO cannot be adjusted in full Auto, but can be in any of the manual/semi-manual modes. Opening up your aperture will help too, obviously - but you'll need to watch where you focus even more carefully. What mode did you take this in? Program, Aperture Priority, Auto?

Sharpening should be the last thing you do in PP. Contrast can be adjusted using the contrast/brightness tool (one of many ways to do so, some swear by curves, but it's a good way to start when learning).

I think I used the Child setting on this one but I'll try again with more light and such. I'll repost tomorrow with hopefully a better image. I like the tonal curves in lightroom although I dont understand it I see how it works.

[SusanH1970]

Originally Posted by lynweber

I think I used the Child setting on this one but I'll try again with more light and such. I'll repost tomorrow with hopefully a better image. I like the tonal curves in lightroom although I dont understand it I see how it works.

I shoot with Canon, so I'm not familiar with the "child" setting on Nikon - maybe it's the same as the auto Portrait setting on Canon (thinking out loud, lol)?

Definitely give it another try. That's the beauty of practicing on your own kids! I don't use Lightroom, so unfortunately I'm useless for help in that department.

[windrider86]

I beleive the program you are using should have a noise reduction effect. Do this on a seperate layer as it will soften your image up a bit. Then apply the sharpening tool of your choice on yet another layer. That way when you sharpen it, (it will bring back some of that grain you see), on the seperate layer you can erase or mask off the areas that got too sharp.

[kencaleno]

Step by step:

1. image>adjustments>Levels

2. Slide right hand slider (white) to the left until it touches start of graph

3. Slide middle(gamma) slider to the right until contrast looks right

4. click "OK"

Ken

[lynweber]

Originally Posted by kencaleno

Step by step:

1. image>adjustments>Levels

2. Slide right hand slider (white) to the left until it touches start of graph

3. Slide middle(gamma) slider to the right until contrast looks right

4. click "OK"

Ken

Thanks so much that looks so much better. I did it on my image and too and I love it thanks I feel much more confident with that image. Great Tip!

[mandyatm]

Did you see this on New Portrait Biz (formerly New Photo Biz)? I saw that video and did this with my girls. Cute~