My first family portrait shoot ever (nervous laughter)

[AlphaBjerke]

I can't tell you folks what a GREAT time I had today taking these pictures. I love photography! Even though I know one day I will look back at these and cringe, today I am very very happy about my morning. A big thanks goes out to the people who frequent these forums; I have learned so much this year and I know that this is just the beginning!

I know this isn't the critique forum, but I appreciate constructive feedback more than you can know. I may put one on that forum later.









Thanks for looking and commenting!

[Hayward Taylor]

Hi there - A+ for creativity .. also love the different background you pick .. the skin tone is terrific on all images .. and you have a very lovely family ... I think you're on your way as a family photographer ... great work

[Chewys Dad]

Good job! These are all well captured, creative locations and a lovely family. I'm sure that they are very happy with the results.
Thanks for sharing these
Michael.

[mstark70]

Hey there Eric, These are great. You are well on your way to great things. This family looks so happy and like they had a great time. I was tempted to take my girls out there in costume today but we never got around to it. I am for sure going back there tomorrow to re-shoot a family I did a few weeks ago. Hoping their kids are in better moods. I am going armed with bubbles and balloons. I am hoping that will help with the kids.
I LOVE the idea and creativeness of using the tunnels the way you did! Fantastic. I may have to try this one myself tomorrow. I also really like the 3rd one. Almost looks like the backdrops they have that try to look like they are outdoors. Not sure I explained that right, kind of a dreamy feel to it. But not fake in any way. I like it.
I also see you incorporated the carved heart. It does make for an interesting prop with some character.
All in all I would say you did a wonderful job for this family and I am sure they will cherish these for many years to come.
Did you use your external flash on these? If so it is so NOT obvious. Bravo.

[ajithpr]

great lovely family shots, third is my fav, although it is a very typical one.

[AlphaBjerke]

Thanks for the kind words, Michelle. I did use the flash on all of them--when I remembered to turn it on! Wow, there are so many things to remember. I had my car pack with all sorts of things to be ready, but every now and then after moving from one spot to the other, I would forget to turn on the flash. Also, the sun really made me mad. I needed to bring someone taller than my 9-year-old to hold up the reflector/sun blocker. I was there from 8 until 9:30 a.m. (that will be 7-8:30 tomorrow) and in the group shots it seemed there was always someone with a hot spot on them from the sun.

I really had such a great time; I was beaming all day from the exhilaration.

Good luck tomorrow and it is OK if you "steal" my ideas

-Eric

[leonaashlee]

I think they are awesome...nice work.

[shmelly]

Fantastic family shots Eric, you have done an excellent job with the lighting. The third picture is particularly eyecatching, everything about it is top class.

[AlphaBjerke]

Originally Posted by soulsearcher

great lovely family shots, third is my fav, although it is a very typical one.

Originally Posted by leonaashlee

I think they are awesome...nice work.

Originally Posted by shmelly

Fantastic family shots Eric, you have done an excellent job with the lighting. The third picture is particularly eyecatching, everything about it is top class.

Thanks so much, all of you! I know I have already said this, but I had a great time and I didn't expect that.

[fstopMike]

Excellent shots and very creative. Your lighting is also very good. Maybe the best part of the shoot is that you had a great time.