opinions - DPChallenge Forums

03/11/2010 12:05:07 AM · #1

Okay so i posted this in another forum and got only one responce. normally i post here and get a ton. so I'm going to try it here.
Been gone a while, took some advice from many on here, played with a few friends babies and got these, can i get some opinions?
Babies

Tez

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

03/11/2010 03:09:27 AM · #2

direct flash is horrid.

They seem badly exposed. The eyes are dark on most of them too which isn't what I would want in baby pics.

Also, all your shots are from above, looking down on the kid. Get to their level. It makes for a much nicer look.

Overall, I don't like them very much and I think they're rather bad.

It's cool you have friends babies you can practice on though.

You have one pic though, #5866 that stands out (in a bad way)- what is all that crap on the background? It looks like you went with a white brush in PS and did random dots all over it (tilt your monitor and you'll see what I mean). It looks blotchy and weird. Also, that yellow shadow thing really doesnt help and the hard light from a direct (or so near to direct to make it a moot point) light just saps the life and softness out of the pics. These are babies, not statues, look at the shadows around the ear, the flower/hat thing... just not very appealing. And that text? I'm not gonna say.

I see you have a 50 1.8, why not just get them outdoors or somewhere with a nice background, get to their level and shoot them wide open, or at f/2 or something. It will look a lot lot lot better than what you have here.

Sorry if this grates but you said "can I get some opinions?" and I find honest critiques to be far more useful than someone saying "they're ok".

Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF

03/16/2010 09:46:11 AM · #3

No thats what i wanted. thank you. as for the hat and the words- the mom wanted that i think the hat is gawdy. the white was a furry soft type things that a photog I know got rid of and gave to me, I had never messed with it and wanted to try it, it sucks, I now knoww hy she got rid of it..
I do better outside with lighting, however our weather here sucks so I had to be inside to play.

thank you again for your honesty

pawdrix

Nikon D700

03/16/2010 09:54:05 AM · #4

I never take baby shots but here's a link to an impromptu shoot that I did for some people a few weeks back. No flash, just natural window light and at a high ISO. Heavy, heavy noise isn't good but some will likely not bother people other than pros viewing the image and if the work in the end is good or great the parents certainly won't care. You may or may not like the images but perhaps there are a few simple ideas that work for you.

Message edited by author 2010-03-16 09:57:30.

moswyn

Canon EOS-7D

Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC for Canon

03/16/2010 10:06:42 AM · #5

Here are some baby photographers that I aspire to be like:

//www.flickr.com/photos/kelleyryden/
//www.flickr.com/photos/23939209@N06/
//www.flickr.com/photos/heidihope/

Their lighting and posing is absolutely delicious. Good luck!

ragamuffingirl

Sony Alpha NEX-5N

Canon EF 28-135mm F/3.5-5.6 IS USM

03/16/2010 11:10:22 AM · #6

It seems you had a lighting issue. The one on the black background looks like you tilted the flash head but didn't use a reflector or object to bounce the light off of. It's a mistake that I've made - often! I think everyone of those pictures has potential, and I appreciate that when trying to photograph a child that age you have to be FAST! They don't hold still. So, things you might do when shooting an adult - like longer exposures just don't work.

I am hoping to practice some baby pictures soon on my brandinew niece and nephew. We'll see how I do.

Message edited by author 2010-03-16 11:50:36.

Canon EF 28-135mm F/3.5-5.6 IS USM

03/16/2010 12:34:15 PM · #7

lighting in my living room with no light set up.. yeah lighting is a problem. hah..

ragamuffingirl

Sony Alpha NEX-5N

03/16/2010 12:42:37 PM · #8

Originally posted by Photomom1981:

lighting in my living room with no light set up.. yeah lighting is a problem. hah..

I feel ya! Did you see my post about trying to set up a little portrait studio in my iddy biddy kitchen? Even if I succeed in getting that set up, I'll still end up having to do things like go to my sister's house to take pictures because they won't come to me.

But, seriously - probably the best purchase I've made recently was my reflector. My only problem with it is I have trouble folding it up to put it away. A piece of white card board will work, but it's not as good, and you can't fold it up to put it away. I think I'll also get to like my umbrella when I have something better than a 150watt construction lamp shining into it.

Message edited by author 2010-03-16 12:44:37.