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06/12/2005 08:53:35 AM · #26 |
Originally posted by jmsetzler:
Originally posted by BobsterLobster:
I normally have great respect for your photography, but I get the feeling your heart wasn't in this shoot. I think a good portrait session demands empathy with your subject, and I'm not sure it was there for this one. |
I don't know what would give you that impression. I have simply never done this type of photography before. It's a first attempt. I had as much empathy as possible for this shoot, or I wouldn't have shot it to begin with. When I do something like this, I do it wholeheartedly or I don't do it at all.
The results don't look professional for several reasons mentioned here. My environment was not as controlled as I would like for it to have been. The lighting was a mix of ambient window light and my flash units. My lack of knowledge of posing and composition for simple portraits shows also. I believe that an assumption of a lack of empathy is a bit rude and presumptuous at best. |
I'm just giving my gut response to your shoot. Other people here are far more qualified to offer a more technical reason as to why you might be unhappy with some of them, but I stand by my comment. Perhaps you didn't feel as comfortable and confident as you usually do when you do a shoot, which is why I feel that the connection between the photographer and subject isn't there. If you reread my post, I did not say you have no empathy. I communicated that I personally did not see that connection. I know enough about you to know that you always give everything 100%, but here I said that IMO it didn't show.
I really didn't intend to be rude at any point,
in future I'll be sure to keep my comments to myself unless they're mindlessly complementary.
Sheesh. |
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06/12/2005 09:24:17 AM · #27 |
The shots the baby is on his belly are my favorite. I have 3 children and have been to many portrait studios. I know how hard it is to get them to give you the right look. If I was purchasing those shots, I wouldn't pick any of the ones where parts of his body are missing.
The quality of the pictures are great though. |
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06/13/2005 01:41:50 PM · #28 |
The parents loved the photos. I am arranging another shoot when the baby is about 4 months old so I can try again :)
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06/13/2005 01:45:49 PM · #29 |
These are nice shots but the compositions from one shot to the next are nearly identical. Of course I wasnt' there and didn't see how much light there was, but normally a large window presents plenty of natural light on it's own. Moving around some furniture to get dynamic shots with baby near window for good light control is what I normally do. Not just with babes, but with adults, too.
I also allow for movement of the kidlette involved and have some fun. I'd have to partially agree with comments made earlier..I don't see any love or other emotion in these shots.
That's my two cents.
Message edited by author 2005-06-13 13:47:14. |
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06/13/2005 01:47:01 PM · #30 |
My objective was to get 3-5 good photos so I did shoot a lot of very similar compositions. There are a lot of relatively similar shots because of that.
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06/13/2005 06:49:12 PM · #31 |
Originally posted by jmsetzler:
I am arranging another shoot when the baby is about 4 months old so I can try again :) |
As per my previous post, you might want to ask them to let you know when Cade has reached certain developmental milestones:
1. At 4 months, neck control should be a non-/minor issue.
2. Sitting may be problematic.
2a. If sitting is only semi-stable, then get some cushions (assuming a supporting surface too hard for his little head) that would
n't be too offensive in the shots and have them behind and to the sides of Cade; some risks are involved if you go cushionless (this
depends on the parents). The parents can be part of the shoot and subtly support Cade in the sitting position.
2b. He might be able pull himself up from sitting to standing since voluntary strong grasping (of fingers) is possible now. The muscles are still weak enough that they'll suddenly let go (i.e. he has to be held 100% even though he's holding back sometimes), but mom and dad should be aware of that anyway. Some babies get very excited when they're helped to stand like this.
2c. He'll probably be lifting himself on his hands from his belly at this time. Those can be great shots, depending on your angle and the baby's expression. The muscles are weak enough that they can't hold for too long or do it many, many times.
3. Cade may be teething at this time, even if the teeth are 1-3 months away. Expect lots of drool and maybe a runny nose. The pa
rents will already have cloths and such to combat these things, but you should be aware of it because either may be sudden, volumino
us, and hard to see through a viewfinder. Keep an eye on those orifices!
4. Don't stop shooting if Cade is crying (unless mom and dad say so). Crying pictures can be extremely endearing and provide fant
astic contrast (if you're looking for that). Also, the smiling baby with tears in the eyes and/or on the face is flattering and cut
e beyond belief (excellent opportunity for a tight head shot).
5. At this age (and younger, and older) they'll pretty much suck on anything that comes near their mouth, though they may not necessarily make the effort themselves. This can be cute/funny as they attempt to interact with some object (a fixed toy) or person (like their nose).
6. He'll have more limb control at this age and his attempts at reaching for things will be more obvious, possibly slower than earlier when it just looked like involuntary flailing. It's possible he'll eventually be touching objects gently, though it's quite unlikely. Those can make nice pictures themselves.
7. If they're "going by the book", they'll have started other-than-milk/formula feeding, probably just simple cereals (rice/oatmeal). Feeding time can be fun (and frustrating) for both baby and parents, but presents excellent photo opportunities, especially if a big mess is involved.
8. Bath time can start to be fun at this time, although it's much better in about two months when they can sit up on their own with little or no trouble.
9. Many babies at this age (and younger, and older) love to be moved in small/large, swinging motions. This really depends on mom and dad and their comfort level. Squeals of delight and long-lasting giggles can be elicited by this type of movement, usually cradled and swung around in a circle or up-down-up in side-sweeping arcs. Mom and dad will likely know what works anyway.
That's most of it anyway. I hope you have fun!
ps You don't have to worry about "allow[ing] for movement of the kidlette" at this age. It's entirely possible they'll be rocking on hands and knees, but that's more in the 6+ months range anyway (sometimes earlier).
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