2 Christmas Pics (with edited versions) for C&C

[jaymac]

Cleaned up my photobucket and only kept one of the pics. Thanks to all how C&C'ed for me.

 

[Christie Photo]

I'll offer a critique of the first image.

It's a good idea, but not executed particularly well. You might have invested a bit more time on the propping. The box is gift wrapped, but only on the outside. A great portion of the image is filled with the inside of the corrugated box. A different type of box or some more wrapping might have helped. The reds of the hat and the shirt are a mismatch. You can get the hat to match more closely with a bit of time in processing.

Moving the subject out in front of the tree, working with a longer focal length would be an improvement.

Most important, invest some time into learning how to light for portraits. That will help elevate a image like this out of the snap shot league.

I think you may have been able to prop the lil guy up a bit more, getting away from the "sack of potatoes" look.

Great expression. Get mom to help by pulling his hand from his mouth immediately before each exposure.

I hope this helps.

-Pete

 

[jaymac]

Thanks for the tips.
We don't have any lights (this was just the on camera flash).
We liked his hand in his mouth look - but yes we have a bunch where it's out.
We didn't want to wrap the inside of the box -- who does that? We wanted it to look like he was the present.
We do have several that aren't so close as well.
Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[lyonsroar]

We didn't want to wrap the inside of the box -- who does that? We wanted it to look like he was the present.

Then cover it with just plain white paper. Corrugated cardboard isn't really...photogenic...

 

[jaymac]

The look we were going for was as if we had just opened presents and he was the present - thus the wrapped outside and nothing done to the inside. However, I do see the point being made.

What about the 2nd one?

Did I make the proper WB adjustments in GIMP?

Thanks for the suggestions again.

 

[heyjoe]

My 2 cents: I agree with the comments about the box. The inside should be white, or wrapped. Cardboard looks tacky. I like the expression on the baby's face, and don't mind the fingers in the mouth.

I do not like the brown carpeting; would look more "pro" maybe if you had a red velvet-type christmas blanket or something.

Also, I do not like the diaper. Maybe they could be covered with a blanket or have the clothes/cloth shorts on.

Just some friendly CC.

 

[jaymac]

Thank you. So the problems are all looks and not technique? Is that what I'm hearing?

The diaper shot was completely candid. It wasn't posed at all. He was just lying on the floor and the hat was lying next to him and he grabbed it. The look and the way he was holding it kind of gave me the "hey I'm naked - don't take my picture" kind of pose. So of course I took his picture....LOL.

Thanks for the comments.

 

[Dao]

Find a way to diffuse the flash, even the build-in flash. Google "built in flash diffuser" will yield some results (including DYI type)

 

[Robin Usagani]

Just want to show you a similar setup. I did this in a tiny livingroom. You just have to really plan it. Your photos are too busy I feel like.

 

[Christie Photo]

So the problems are all looks and not technique? Is that what I'm hearing?

No.... that's why I said, "Most important, invest some time into learning how to light for portraits. That will help elevate a(n) image like this out of the snap shot league."

And "looks" (or composition) is important too.

-Pete

 

[jaymac]

Thanks.

 

[sarisotta_21]

I know you wanted it to look like he was the present...as others have said about the cardboard not so good lookin..what about adding some tissue paper to try to cover up the cardboard look? Just an idea! Cute little boy!

 

[jaymac]

Thanks. Will take all into consideration during the next shoot.

 

[Derrel]

Just want to show you a similar setup. I did this in a tiny livingroom. You just have to really plan it. Your photos are too busy I feel like.

Now that is a nice shot! The baby's expression is super! Well-executed too, as far as lighting and composition.