What’s Your Preference?

2seta1year · #1 (**permalink**) 11-11-2009, 04:51 PM

Although I hate the saying...they are really double the love...

I have had an amateur interest in photography since my girls were all born, but with the purchase this past year of my D60 I have really been trying to take my love for photography to the next level. Family and friends love my photos, but honestly they aren't going to say they stink...

So hopefully I can get some pointers through here. I am really trying to take things to the next level.

Here is today's photo...this is of my identical set of twins...yes, I have 2 sets. I really like to take close shots of faces...it's my thing... However with that said I do have other shots too...

Details:

Nikon d60
f-stop f/5
Exposure 1/60sec.
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 125mm
Aperture 4.5
metering mode Pattern
Flash, auto, strobe return
35mm Focal length 187

lputman · #2 (**permalink**) 11-11-2009, 05:01 PM

Beautiful girls! The one thing about this is the flash, it is very strong and creates a harsh shadow. Have you tried natural light by getting them up close to a window. North light coming through a window is excellent and even with other windows, with sheers to diffuse the light makes for great portraits. I've even gone into my garage with the door up and shot with that light.

For example, here's one of my son with the window camera right.

2seta1year · #3 (**permalink**) 11-11-2009, 05:09 PM

I see that now, I never even saw that before! I took this in a hallway with no natural light or overhead lighting for that matter. I do try to do a lot of outside, but my knowledge on lighting is minimal. That is the next issue I am going to tackle. Do you have any suggestions of books I could get from the library? Or any online tutorials (I am a visual, need to see it to get it type) that I can watch?

lputman · #4 (**permalink**) 11-11-2009, 05:42 PM

The only book that I've read so far is Understanding Exposure, it is a good book and has exercises that you do. Anything else has been through forums. I'm just barely starting to play with my flash and there are two books that I will use, Light: Science and Magic and The Hotshoe Diaries to start with.

2seta1year · #5 (**permalink**) 11-11-2009, 06:05 PM

I reserved the exposure book today at the library. Thanks!

daddyoproductions · #6 (**permalink**) 11-15-2009, 08:42 PM

I hate that saying too, and it's always the first thing people say when I confirm they're twins (people ask first, even though they're identical, because they hate to assume)...it's like a reflex or something. I always say "Nope, twice as nice" cause I really don't want my kids getting a complex about every stranger calling them trouble

ANYWAY, it's a cute shot and I love how their eyes and mouths look. The skin is a little soft for me. They are beautiful girls!

P.S. Wow! Two sets, hats off to you!

2seta1year · #7 (**permalink**) 11-16-2009, 12:32 AM

Is there anything post production I can do to eliminate the harsh shadow? Also, I am just getting used to softening the faces any tips on this? I kind of like the creaminess like you could jump in and swim in it, but you're right it may be overdone...What is a good happy medium?

lputman · #8 (**permalink**) 11-16-2009, 04:17 PM

There isn't anything you can do to eliminate them; but you might be able to lessen them some. I would caution with the skin smoothing, especially on children.