I've been busy, here's a few to share

[McMommy]

Well, I've officially had 25 "practice shoots" and one unintentionally paid one! I've been offering free sessions for my mom's group so that I could get a bit of practice and build what might be a portfolio, as I learn and improve!

I've learned so much in a short time, and I have a ways to go too! I am exchanging my D5000 this weekend for the D90 (if Costco lets me, I may have lost a couple small pieces that came with the packaging, nothing really important).


I intentionally broke the rule of cropping parts of the body below, these were crops and not the photo I took, but I like the way they looked. I even used some selective coloring! I figured I'd give it a shot, and that seemed like the appropriate use for it anyway, just a detail. If you could please comment on lighting and focus, what I could have done differently to improve the shot, I'd appreciate it! I have about 10 "free" sessions left on my schedule, and I put out an ad on Craigslist for $50 sessions, including the cd. I'm not trying to make money, necessarily, but I need a way to pay for photoshop and to save for a lens I have my heart set on. I spend about 6 hours per session working on it too, so I think that's a totally fair price considering my inexperience!


Ok enjoy! Hope everyone has a great weekend!!!

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

(I think a reflector would have helped with this, but it's not in my budget. I bought a white poster/foam board and lined it with tin foil to use for next time.)
6.

7.

 

[white]

I very rarely like selective coloring, but #4 is an excellent use of it.

 

[ifi]

Very cool :thumbup:
#4 looks really nice and a very cute baby in #6. All other kids are cute as well

 

[benlonghair]

Love the one of the baby in the basket.

 

[ghache]

i think you really have good stuff.

 

[indeedies]

I like the poses and the ideas behind them. The exposures seem spot on. When I look at them though I feel they are somewhat soft. They also lack contrast it seems. I usually have to bumb up the black levels and contrast in most of my photos during the editing process.

And my favorite is number 2. I like the compostition and colors in it. I bet she really liked that one ;-)

 

[mwcfarms]

Nice shots. I too am not a fan of selective coloring. Find it very gimmicky but I think #4 is great use of it. Love that picture. She has such a sweet almost smile. Lighting is a bit harsh in the b&w's with alot of shadows imo but they work in B&W would love to see the color versions for comparison.

 

[dak1b]

1) love the shot. only thing..i wish the guitar case wasn't cut off on the right...
2-7- nice shots....#4 is def my favorite!

 

[lunaaa]

all great photos but no 4,5 are my favourites.

 

[McMommy]

Thank you guys!! I'm shocked... floored that so many of you love #4. Of the whole "set" it's my favorite, too! I really feel like even though I have much to learn, I've come a long way since the first photos I put up here! Many thanks to your feedback, and to MyFotoGuy (and his blog) for learning all the correct techniques that I get to forever practice now!

Here's #3, edited but in color. It was just too shadowy for my tastes, and I think it really works in b&w better.

And #4 isn't too bad in color, but still harsh shadows on her forehead and eye, and the color of the bug really was fun to bring out. This was one I almost trashed because of the harsh shadows, then I thought, "how could I make this work" because her expression is just too lovely.

 

[myfotoguy]

These are great! I agree, #4 stands out, and the BW is perfect, you did a nice job with it.

Great capture of the girl with the ladybug, perfect timing on that one, love it!