DPChallenge: A Digital Photography Contest You are not logged in. (log in or register
 

DPChallenge Forums >> Individual Photograph Discussion >> Critique Please
Pages:  
Showing posts 1 - 13 of 13, (reverse)
AuthorThread
04/25/2011 02:24:13 PM · #1
Hey there,

We set up a make shift "studio" with the family yesterday. The room was small, but we tried to make do.

Anyway, we would love some serious critique on these photos on any aspect (from posing, to lighting, processing, anything)! We worked wiht them a little bit in photoshop (but still learning that process too).

All comments are appreciated! Thanks so much, this is the best way for us to learn what we are doing and we appreciate your critiques so much!

~~~

WildShutter & WriteHeart
04/25/2011 03:37:59 PM · #2
The very first thing I noticed is that none are "separated" from the background...amost like they are painted on it. I think you can solve this by hitting them from behind with a light. Sometimes the light is from above and behind.

I'm not a studio photographer, but am trying to learn.

EDIT: Upon another look, it seems like the contrast is also flat. The "curves" tool in post processing may help with that.

Kenny

Message edited by author 2011-04-25 15:39:53.
04/25/2011 03:55:41 PM · #3
By looking at the catch light it seems you have used 4 light sources on the subject from the front? A good portrait setup can be achieved with 2 front lights, a reflector and a background light. Its better to use large modifiers such as soft boxes or umbrellas from sides, and a dome light in above of the camera about 45 degrees to generate the catch light, the background light can be on the same side as the reflector but from behind the subject and about 45 degrees creating a rim light separating them from the background and defining their features more.

If you like you could use an extra light sources but with a directional modifier such as a honeycomb grid or a snoot to create a hair light from above as well.

Hope this helps.

Message edited by author 2011-04-25 16:02:23.
04/25/2011 03:58:59 PM · #4
the lighting looks nice and even, which is good, but it almost looks like your focus is really soft, or you did something really funny with your editing. could you maybe tell us what your editing steps were on a couple of them? contrast is laking, especially in the first two. it also appears that the saturation on the last two are just a little over done, but it could be my screen.

kenskid brings out a good point, but its especially two with the first one. it just doesn't look real enough.. or nice enough? im not sure though what it is.

also what was your lighting set up & settings and camera settings?
04/25/2011 04:02:00 PM · #5
Originally posted by neesham:

...A good portrait setup can be achieved with 2 front lights...


this is true. did you see my self portrait in burst of color? that only used 2 studio lights. sometimes less is more. actually all of my recent sp, are with 2 lights only. although thats because we ( smardaz and i) only have two. I also used a reflector.

04/25/2011 07:34:20 PM · #6
Thanks for the comments, please keep them coming. I used 2 constant ligths 45 deg left adn right of the camera. Also had a constant light behind the model directed at the background. Bounced the flash off the 8' ceiling from the camera. Also had natural light from behind the camera. Shutter speed was 1/50 with an ISO of 400. My original set was shutter at 250 and ISO of 100 (shooting a 40D), not clear on how/why my settings changed but I changed them. Also, looking for input for posing models have no idea what to look for let alone "being creative".
04/25/2011 08:39:22 PM · #7
left you some comments
04/25/2011 10:30:14 PM · #8
Thank you all for your feedback and comments. They help so much! I can't wait until I can take pics next time (hubby hogged it all this time :-) but I am learning so much from this. Thanks!
04/26/2011 07:09:30 PM · #9
The first thing I notice is that they are not looking right at the camera. It's like whoever was taking the picture was standing off to the side and that is what they are looking at instead of making good eye contact with the camera.

The lighting is even but comes across pretty flat. There are many ways you can add dimension, try changing the angle's and positioning of your lighting to create depth and interest.

The backgrounds come across a little dull and distracting. I think a background light and some additional separation would help...

Don't mean to be harsh in any way, just to the point! It's a great start and there is definitely potential there. :)
04/26/2011 07:32:41 PM · #10
Originally posted by WildShutter:

Also, looking for input for posing models have no idea what to look for let alone "being creative".


As far as posing these look a bit stiff, which is not really a surprise. The hands near face can add interest, but looks pretty staged if the hand is not performing a logical action.

Its tough to do with slower recycling flashes but shooting in bursts can loosen things up, and shooting just before they think you are going to shoot. Having them look down with their eyes shut and look up and open their eyes just as you shoot, telling them to imagine they have a secret and are hiding it from the camera, or are thinking of being in a very warm place; frankly any thing to get them thinking of working with you, less the object of the exercise and part of the process.

When shooting family portraits it is always nice to look through awkward family photos to remind you of what to stay away from, and to remind you how good you really are.
04/26/2011 09:57:57 PM · #11
Thanks for the comments, I appreciate all the input I can get.
04/29/2011 12:12:06 AM · #12
Originally posted by BrennanOB:

When shooting family portraits it is always nice to look through awkward family photos to remind you of what to stay away from, and to remind you how good you really are.


That site is too funny!!!!!! I am sure quite a few of my shots could go on there, but some of those are just over the top!
04/29/2011 12:29:45 AM · #13
Originally posted by WriteHeart:

Originally posted by BrennanOB:

When shooting family portraits it is always nice to look through awkward family photos to remind you of what to stay away from, and to remind you how good you really are.


That site is too funny!!!!!! I am sure quite a few of my shots could go on there, but some of those are just over the top!


Not to highjack the post, but this is my favorite from that site: Baby...
Pages:  
Current Server Time: 03/18/2024 10:46:09 PM

Please log in or register to post to the forums.


Home - Challenges - Community - League - Photos - Cameras - Lenses - Learn - Prints! - Help - Terms of Use - Privacy - Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2024 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 03/18/2024 10:46:09 PM EDT.