A few firsts (7 photos).

[Starskream666]

Buys 5DII and studio equipment.


Thinks bad exposure is down to camera fault...

 

[honoryourlife]

Buys 5DII and studio equipment.


Thinks bad exposure is down to camera fault...

Does not think bad exposure is due to camera, it was all me. I even stated why they weren't properly exposed.

You do know, sometimes its better to underexpose than to have the correct exposure? I'm not saying this shoot was one of those times, but come on. Where did I blame the camera/lighting kit? I'm the one controlling it all.

 

[Dillard]

Thanks, I see what you mean.

I was using my 5DII, so why would there be a problem?

When read the first time, It kinda appears as if you were blaming the camera.

But overall I like the set. I too have never seen the handprint idea, but thought it was cool! Great job for your first studio shoot

 

[MLeeK]

Buys 5DII and studio equipment.


Thinks bad exposure is down to camera fault...

Does not think bad exposure is due to camera, it was all me. I even stated why they weren't properly exposed.

You do know, sometimes its better to underexpose than to have the correct exposure? I'm not saying this shoot was one of those times, but come on. Where did I blame the camera/lighting kit? I'm the one controlling it all.

WHAT? Why would you EVER under expose? you are just asking for trouble with noise and clarity by doing that. You always want to expose properly or to the point just before you have an unacceptable blow out. You never want to underexpose.

Thanks, I see what you mean.

I was using my 5DII, so why would there be a problem?

That sure sounds like you are asking why this would happen if you are using a 5d2. I guess I missed whatever you meant there.


A $1200 light kit isn't cheap unless it's like 6 lights and all kinds of accessories, etc. It's not top of the line, but it had better be a damn decent kit for that price.

Leaving the posing and clothing up to the client is never a good idea. They are not photographers and haven't a clue what will work well on camera and what won't-that is supposed to be your expertise. Might want to learn it.
You make recommendations on what works well and will show them in the best possible way in the clothing and you should be directing every bit of their posing. Otherwise you will end up with thin girls who look fat, fat girls who look fatter... It's a nightmare waiting to happen.


When it comes to print sizes your camera's sensor is only one size. One ratio. Prints are MANY sizes and many different ratios. You have to leave room for that in the frame when you shoot or when you go to print it will cut off important parts of the image or the space you need around the image.

 

[rexbobcat]

$1200.... ಠ_ಠ

Why didn't you just use your speedlites?

 

[honoryourlife]

Thanks, I see what you mean.

I was using my 5DII, so why would there be a problem?

When read the first time, It kinda appears as if you were blaming the camera.

But overall I like the set. I too have never seen the handprint idea, but thought it was cool! Great job for your first studio shoot

Nope, all the blame is on myself. Thank you.

Buys 5DII and studio equipment.


Thinks bad exposure is down to camera fault...

Does not think bad exposure is due to camera, it was all me. I even stated why they weren't properly exposed.

You do know, sometimes its better to underexpose than to have the correct exposure? I'm not saying this shoot was one of those times, but come on. Where did I blame the camera/lighting kit? I'm the one controlling it all.

WHAT? Why would you EVER under expose? you are just asking for trouble with noise and clarity by doing that. You always want to expose properly or to the point just before you have an unacceptable blow out. You never want to underexpose.

Have you read a book on photography/exposure? Underexposing brings out more color/truer colors than over exposing or even using a "correct" exposure. Just some things that I have read in a few books.

Thanks, I see what you mean.

I was using my 5DII, so why would there be a problem?

That sure sounds like you are asking why this would happen if you are using a 5d2. I guess I missed whatever you meant there.


A $1200 light kit isn't cheap unless it's like 6 lights and all kinds of accessories, etc. It's not top of the line, but it had better be a damn decent kit for that price.

Leaving the posing and clothing up to the client is never a good idea. They are not photographers and haven't a clue what will work well on camera and what won't-that is supposed to be your expertise. Might want to learn it.
You make recommendations on what works well and will show them in the best possible way in the clothing and you should be directing every bit of their posing. Otherwise you will end up with thin girls who look fat, fat girls who look fatter... It's a nightmare waiting to happen.


When it comes to print sizes your camera's sensor is only one size. One ratio. Prints are MANY sizes and many different ratios. You have to leave room for that in the frame when you shoot or when you go to print it will cut off important parts of the image or the space you need around the image.

Its 3 lights; 1 softbox, 2 umbrellas and stands/cords.

I get what you mean about telling them how to pose, etc. But I don't see how her posing made the photos bad? Maybe you could explain this.

Ahhh, ok. That last little bit explained things on the printing. I didn't get it at first. So instead of cropping tight, leave some room and when it comes to the printing process, it will kind of do it itself? Is that it? I've yet to print any of my images. My clients just want them for Facebook essentially.

$1200.... ಠ_ಠ

Why didn't you just use your speedlites?

One is busted at the hot shoe connector.

 

[honoryourlife]

Even though the photos might be a little underexposed, her skin tones are the exact same or close to it as in person. Just thought I would say that.

 

[MLeeK]

Your color is great. That has nothing to do with the exposure problems.

 

[honoryourlife]

Your color is great. That has nothing to do with the exposure problems.

So, why does my exposure really matter than? The photos looks decent for a first time shoot.

What should I be doing differently? Besides exposing "properly".

 

[mc1979]

As far as technical goes with your lighting and such, I am not going to comment on since I have zero experience with any sort of lighting equipment. I will say for your first time using lights it's not bad at all!!
As far as the maternity shoot itself, not bad.. but I really dislike the hand-prints on her belly. Again, that is a subjective thing I suppose, to each his own, but really... it looks like something you'd see on youarenotaphotographer.com. I don't "get" it, and I'm not sure many people would..it's just creepy looking.. having said that, if your clients liked it..then hey..that's all that matters!
In the last photo #7, the expression on her face looks like she is in labor...sorry, just the first thing I thought when I looked at it.

 

[MLeeK]

Your color is great. That has nothing to do with the exposure problems.

So, why does my exposure really matter than? The photos looks decent for a first time shoot.

What should I be doing differently? Besides exposing "properly".

Did you really just ask that? Hey, good enough is good enough. Exposure doesn't matter. Have at it. Where is the guy that thought there was really no point to learning aperture, ISO and shutter speed. Join up with him if your exposure shouldn't matter seeing how they are fair looking shots.

 

[Robin Usagani]

Maybe you should master these first in this order:
1. Ambient light
2. Ambient light + 1 strobe
3. No ambient with 1 strobe
4. No ambient with 2 strobes
5. No ambient with 2+ strobes


BTW.. I am still at like #3.. once in a while I do #4 but I know I suck at it.

 

[honoryourlife]

Your color is great. That has nothing to do with the exposure problems.

So, why does my exposure really matter than? The photos looks decent for a first time shoot.

What should I be doing differently? Besides exposing "properly".

Did you really just ask that? Hey, good enough is good enough. Exposure doesn't matter. Have at it. Where is the guy that thought there was really no point to learning aperture, ISO and shutter speed. Join up with him if your exposure shouldn't matter seeing how they are fair looking shots.

Now, I know exposure is important. But if you would be so kind to point out exactly where I went wrong with these shots, I would appreciate it. I noticed the hair bit.

Maybe you should master these first in this order:
1. Ambient light
2. Ambient light + 1 strobe
3. No ambient with 1 strobe
4. No ambient with 2 strobes
5. No ambient with 2+ strobes


BTW.. I am still at like #3.. once in a while I do #4 but I know I suck at it.

Thanks for your input, I'll try to get this.

 

[DOUGCLOUD]

Adjust your exposure and try black and white... could give it a whole new feel.

Food for thought.