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09/08/2005 09:53:18 AM · #1 |
Well after working with my new camera since January 2005...and doing nothing but stills, nature and landscapes...the big test came and I am disappointed. My daughter is getting married in November and came over to visit on Labor Day. Before I could run and hide, she was in her dress and wanted me to take pictures of her out by water and around house...and says she wants to come back to get some at sunset as well and do more of what we already have done. I start getting nervous...tell her I dont do portraits and I hired a photographer for her wedding so I would not screw them up.
She had none of my excuses...and out we went. Here I am with my daughter in her dress...a tear in my eye...and all I have is my Canon Pro1....no external flash(keep meaning to buy one but dont need them for my sunsets and landscapes), no reflector (no idea how to use one other than it reflects light onto subject to lessen shadow I think), no tripod (it was at my office) and no experience.
Here are the first run..took about 80 shots and the ones in my portfolio made the first cut...she and my wife liked them though I think they are not suitable for an occasion like this.... I would appreciate any comments, criticisms or ideas....and I guess I will be going out and buying an external flash, diffuser for flash and a handheld reflector for those shadowy shots. Anything else without breaking my bank account....?
I can already see the harsh shadows...overexposed white dress but underexposed subject matter since my internal flash was ineffective in that setting.
 
 
 
 
Thanks in advance...be gentle with me as I am nervous enough already. LOL. BTW, image resizing, usm and converting some to B&W are all I have done to them.
Message edited by author 2005-09-08 09:56:01.
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09/08/2005 10:32:49 AM · #2 |
This one is my favorite. The others aren't bad, but this one stands out as the best (IMO). |
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09/08/2005 10:35:20 AM · #3 |
Thanks...like I said...this is my first time trying portraits and I already knew I did not have the right flash and stuff....not to mention any experience. So it was a learning opportunity...just wish it was not something so important.
Luckily I have until November to do some over and over and get them right...thanks for the comment.
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09/08/2005 10:38:57 AM · #4 |
I'm new to portraits myself. I'd say that they aren't bad at all. I'm sure having a flash will help alot with the next batch. I really like this one though.
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09/08/2005 10:55:18 AM · #5 |
Thanks...on the ones in front of window I wanted the soft shadowy look... the ones outdoors though I would have liked more flash than what is available built into my camera with that little pop up flash.
Some of the better ones I hope to take again...and I also think that when she was focused on something BESIDES me, that the results were more natural.
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09/08/2005 12:01:48 PM · #6 |
I dunno Brock. literally about 15 seconds in photoshop can work wonders on some of these...this one is outstanding. |
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09/08/2005 12:43:03 PM · #7 |
yeah i figured Photoshop or GIMP could fix all of them...but I dont know how to use it like that....as I try to rely on regular photography skills than digital manipulation after the fact. No insult intended...I just prefer to frame, expose, etc....like I would if using a film camera as much as possible. If at end of October I have the same problems and no good shots...then I might learn how to use GIMP to do the processing on a couple...but trying to stay away from that for now. Hope you understand... Thanks anyhow for the input and recommendation...
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09/08/2005 12:47:42 PM · #8 |
none taken.
there will be some who disagree, but I personally don't believe digital cameras can replicate film without some subtle manipulation. Your camera already does some of it before you ever get to see it. It's just the nature of the beast. I'm not a fan of excessive editing for most photos either, but the traditional darkroom-type editing will make better images.
of course you are correct that you need to start with the best image possible out of the cam.
Good luck with your next shoot. |
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09/08/2005 12:59:58 PM · #9 |
I have to agree with Pedro. Using the shots straight from the sensor is like sending you film to the one hour photo at the local drug store. When I shot film everyone I knew did their own darkroom work or sent it to a good lab where others took the care to do a good job. In digital you need the same amount of time in photoshop, but the lights stay on and your fingernails dont stink of fixative.
You listed the reasons why there quite decent shots are not as good as you wished (tripod flash reflectors) beg borrow and steal, shoot again, download a trial version of PS or some editing software. If you dont you will kick yourself for missing the one chance you had to shoot your daughter before you walk her down the iasle |
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