Senior Photo Shoot - DPChallenge Forums

08/30/2007 12:35:59 PM · #1

Here's a collage I've made from my recent senior photo shoot.

And HERE'S the rest of the gallery. I'd really like some comments and feedback. I think I'm getting better, but I'd like some objective opinions.

I don't have any off-camera lighting and I don't have an assistant. Since I don't have access to studio lighting, I'd like to get a good reflector and have someone go with me on the shoots to hold it.

Other suggestions always welcome. The girl in the photos is his girlfriend and they wanted some shots together.

08/30/2007 12:49:16 PM · #2

Wow...this thing flew off of the front page. One quick bump.

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8

08/30/2007 11:27:54 PM · #3

One evening bump

trnqlty

Nikon D90

08/30/2007 11:49:49 PM · #4

Just a couple of quick things I noticed. When shooting, be aware of how bright your background is. A number of those shots have completely blown out spots that really draw your attention away from him. A lot of them seem a little soft and then oversharpened to compensate. Suppose that could certainly just be the small size of the files. When standing your subject, try not to have their shoulders completely square to the camera. Look at how much more natural 7 feels over 8 or 11. Same thing for the couple shots. Bring his left shoulder around so it feels closer with the girl. Just a few quick suggestions, gotta go, feel free to pm with more specific advice. I'm no complete expert but I've now been doing family portraits for a few months totaling nearly 200 sessions.

doug61853

Nikon D80

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX Aspherical DF for Nikon

08/31/2007 12:00:21 AM · #5

I really like most of your shots. As a general rule, don't have the background brighter than your subject. I know, difficult to do sometimes. And 10BW needs some fill flash. He looks a bit drab and gets lost in the shot. Keep it up and keep working. Perhaps a prop like a baseball bat or football if he plays sports. Perhaps some pictures with his car (what teen doesn't like his car?). Have fun and here is a link to a brother sister pair that I recently did sr. pics for. Good luck!!
--doug

//dougolsenphotography.smugmug.com/gallery/3319416#184700229

doug61853

Nikon D80

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX Aspherical DF for Nikon

08/31/2007 12:01:38 AM · #6

P.S. The 11x14 of the multiple pictures. Did you design that yourself in photoshop or get it from an online printer? Thanks!

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX Aspherical DF for Nikon

08/31/2007 12:10:39 AM · #7

Originally posted by doug61853:

P.S. The 11x14 of the multiple pictures. Did you design that yourself in photoshop or get it from an online printer? Thanks!

That was done in Photoshop. In my portfolio here there are two others I've done of "Allie". I've just started doing them, inspired by some digital scrapbooking I've seen.

Thanks, all, for the suggestions. I need to work on the posing, but I think these are better than some of my earlier attempts. I'm not sure how to expose for adequate light on the subject and keep the background darker? I used fill flash. I didn't want him to be in the harsh lighting.

He did plan to bring his car, but it wasn't running that day, and he doesn't play sports or anything (we had that discussion.) But he did bring the girlfriend :)

doug61853

Nikon D80

08/31/2007 12:22:04 AM · #8

Yep, I noticed the girlfriend. I hope all the guys I shoot bring a prop like her..........wow!

jenesis

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

08/31/2007 12:25:49 AM · #9

Hi Judy! :)
My 2 cents, for what it's worth... :) All in all, I'd say these are pretty nice. Yes, keeping an eye on the backgrounds is important but there are only a few where you have some problems with blown highlights. I'm still trying to work on that problem myself. I've just recently started using Manual mode for this. If I know what Aperture I want to shoot at, I'll kick the camera into AV mode, set for the aperture I want, then focus on the background getting the shutter speed that would give it a good exposure. Then I'll put it into Manual, set my Aperture and the shutter speed that I got from my test and kick on my flash to fill in. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, I'm still learning. But it has made a difference in some of my shots. Personally, I prefer natural lighting as opposed to using fill flash and reflectors are my best friend. I have a 5 sided one and there's usually always somebody along for the shoot be it a parent or friend that will more than likely be happy to help with holding it if you can't get someone to assist you on the shoot (perhaps a daughter). :)

It's also harder to pose guys, I've found anyways. To get them in natural yet masculine stances is sometimes hard for someone that is not used to being photographed in such a manner. Spending a little time talking to them, getting them to laugh and relax a bit helps. I know it's hard to tell someone to just stand there and look natural, automatically gets them looking stiff and confused for the most part. :)
Again, something that I've been having to work on myself.

Keep on keeping on. You're doing good! :)

Jen

Edit - meant to mention that 17, 18 & 20 are my faves. And yes, the girlfriend is probably way more important then the car, right?? :)

Message edited by author 2007-08-31 00:27:25.