Feedback would be helpful - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm f/4G ED VR

08/19/2012 09:15:37 PM · #1

This is the type of photo that I enjoy taking. It would be great to have some feedback if anyone is so inclined. I would like to do more of this and, if luck would have it, maybe make a little bit of money as well.

Thanks.

Ozzie

Nikon D90

08/19/2012 09:37:57 PM · #2

I like the first photo better as it is more in focus, whereas the focus seems to be concentrated on her hand in the second one. A very pretty little girl!

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

08/19/2012 09:43:17 PM · #3

Don't hate me ok? I say the following in good-humored spirits and with the intent of helping you, please take it as intended.

Your model is the best thing about these photos, some serious potential there for some stellar shots, we've just gotta get you up to speed. ;)

This photo is taken from an adult-down perspective... Not at all a good thing, get down to the kid's level, engage with them at their own level. Also, I don't like the crop, but some others would disagree and be fine with it... For me, chop off more head, or leave the whole thing, and just a bit more or less torso also would be good.

Focus is ok, but needs some work - learn the Librodo sharpening technique and read this (Model Makeovers DPC Tutorial).

I think this would have been much better in a studio, you can set this up cheap or expensive, but if you must even a bed-sheet studio would be better. (there are tons of cheap designs that work well)

You need to get much more critical of your own work. Did you not notice that this is actually a picture of a tree, not a little girl? ;) The focus is on the trunk in front of her, not on her. You've got to try very hard to find any flaws you can in your work, because usually others won't be kind enough to point them out to you.. DPC is unusually helpful, but even here people are shy about saying some things, so be sure to be your own hardest critic at all times.

Focus should almost (there are exceptions, but they are not common) always be on the eyes, or nearest eye, of the model.
...

My biggest question here to you is why in the heck did you use that 28-135mm when you have the 85 f/1.8? I own both lenses, and there's no doubt that the 85mm is my go-to lens for this type of work.

...

I hope you don't think I'm being too mean, but if you want to do this, then I'd like to help you by serving as that hard-reality check. You've got an excellent model and some great equipment, take the tips above (don't shoot down, use the 85mm, focus on the eyes, learn the processing techniques I listed) and I think you'll be shooting some amazing portraits in no time.

Message edited by author 2012-08-19 21:46:06.

tanguera

Nikon D750

08/19/2012 10:49:38 PM · #4

Hi Emily! I guess I would have to ask what you mean by "this" kind of photography! Candids? Children? Portraiture? Outdoors? My guess would be child photography, but it's hard to tell for sure, based on what you've submitted.

My first suggestion would be for you to do an internet search about the type of photography you want to do (i.e. best child photographers), and look at their work. Then compare it to your work. There is usually a common theme among top photographers (be it editing, pov, lighting, etc.). If you want to shoot children, outdoors, with available light, you have to be very particular about wardrobe, location, background distractions, shadows, etc. It also helps to have some context for the image; as they are, they appear to be rather "snapshot-ish" (nothing wrong with those, but you wouldn't be able to charge someone for them).

Hope that helps!

SwordandScales

Canon EOS-6D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

08/19/2012 10:56:45 PM · #5

Cory speaks the truth.

This isn't money making photography...at all. Yet.

sjhuls

Canon EOS-7D

08/19/2012 11:32:39 PM · #6

I agree with what has been said. A few other pointers I looks like you used an on camera flash do you see the harsh shadow on her neck from her face? Instead of flash learn to use reflectors outdoors they spread the light out and give a much softer diffused light. Harsh shadows like that are a big no-no.

Also your photos are a bit flat, learning to use photo editing software is a must if you want to start charging. So many people have DSLR's these days that you really have to stand out from the pack to get anywhere.

Good luck, I love portraiture and I know how hard it can be. Don't get frustrated by the critiques if you really take them to heart you can go far with this. Trust me I went from this:

to doing stuff like this

just from the excellent advice from people here.

08/20/2012 08:18:54 AM · #7

You have all be VERY helpful. I asked for critique and that's exactly what I wanted. Critique without being mean is the best, which is what I got. I do appreciate and will follow your suggestions.

Cory...I don't have a good reason for using the 28-135 except that...well, I don't have a good reason.

sjhuls: I did use a flash. I have a reflector and you're right, I should learn how to use it. That's the biggy. The next step is teaching someone how to hold it for me which might be the bigger problem.

tanguera: Kids mostly. They're cool.

So here's a bit of what I picked up: Use the right lens, learn to use reflectors, get on their level, make use of PS, focus on the eyes always, think about setting more critically.

You haven't scared me away. You've challenged me and I love it. I want to get better. Thanks.

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 16-35 f/4 ED VR

08/20/2012 09:54:00 AM · #8

Originally posted by PuppyDogMom:

Sounds like you've got it... Be sure to learn both the Librodo Technique and to read that DPC tutorial I linked to... Both will take you miles towards your goal.

Your next assignment is to return with more photos so we can beat you up again. ;)

mbrutus2009

Nikon D850

08/20/2012 10:08:27 AM · #9

Originally posted by Cory:

My biggest question here to you is why in the heck did you use that 28-135mm when you have the 85 f/1.8? I own both lenses, and there's no doubt that the 85mm is my go-to lens for this type of work.

Glad I went through the previous replies... This is the very question I was asking myself!

Cory hit it directly on the nail!

Yo_Spiff

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

Olympus 12-100mm f/4.0 M.Zuiko ED IS PRO

08/20/2012 10:35:15 AM · #10

Originally posted by Cory:

You need to get much more critical of your own work.

One thing that I did for a long time that helped me with this concept was to make a list of anticipated critiques and comments in my photographer's notes for all my challenge entries. This got me looking at my own entries from a second person perspective. It also turned the negative comments into a bit of a game. I also found through this exercise that there were many things that were clearly flaws, but an equal amount of things that were simply the personal preference of the viewer, and I learned to distinguish them.

MinsoPhoto

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

08/20/2012 10:42:08 AM · #11

Browse through the photos on 500px, especially the kids portrait work. Be critical on them and try and see how they did those, especially ones that are appealing to you. How did they light their subject, how did they pose them, how did they compose the shot, are there any props, how do you think they edited them. Try and emulate some of your favorites and as you do you will learn what you like and what you don't and as you grow you will, hopefully, develop your own style. After that to make money, well, the photos are really a very small fraction of what is needed to run a successful portrait photography business.

08/20/2012 10:47:10 AM · #12

There's been a question as to what exactly "Librodo Sharpening" is...

I keep an action that just does the following:

Layer copy
USM 18-40-0
USM 150-.3-0
Edit>Fade USM 100% in Darken Mode
USM 150-.3-0
Edit>Fade USM 50% in Lighten Mode
Flatten image

--

This gives your image more contrast and pop, I often fade this effect, and use mostly the features from it, while using the skin that you can get from Brad's tutorial.

Your mileage may vary, but knowing these techniques will help you greatly with your portraiture.

08/20/2012 10:49:51 AM · #13

Originally posted by MinsoPhoto:

After that to make money, well, the photos are really a very small fraction of what is needed to run a successful portrait photography business.

Best advice in this thread so far.

Business is far harder than photography.

JuliBoc

Apple iPhone 6s+

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

08/20/2012 11:08:44 AM · #14

Wow, you really got your money's worth here -- great advice. The only thing I'd like to add is in reference to your first photo. In addition to the POV, as Cory pointed out, it would help to pay more attention when framing the composition. Placing the subject off center often creates a more dynamic image.

08/20/2012 11:28:26 AM · #15

Originally posted by MinsoPhoto:

This is a great suggestion. It's a little like learning how to critique your own writing after you've gotten used to other people critiquing.