At prestent...

[Photographiend]

... I am seriously beginning to think I am never going to get the hang of the shooting pics of people thing.

I used to blame my camera back when I had my $60 point and shoot.

Now I worked my way up to a bridge and I am still not happy.

Biggest issue: I prefer Ambient light

which requires patience and planning.

Took the kids out to a local park to try to get some shots over the weekend and am seriously perturbed by the amount of shadowing on their faces.

Didn't help that I shot the pics in the shade but I didn't think I would turn out quite like it did.

In the mean time I have ordered a "5 in 1 reflector" to help with the lighting issues for shooting out doors.







But then I get a whole slew of photography books from the library specifically people photography. And now it has me thinking about light sources and backgrounds and what not... a little overwhelming really.

Was exceedingly upset when I discovered today that my new bridge camera only has two aperture settings. 3.1 and 8... also not helpful for what I am trying to do.

Any how, I decided to try to experiment with makeshift backgrounds in a room of the house that gets excellent natural light during the day... Picked out several outfits and backgrounds to play around with, got every thing draped and steamed to wrinkle-free perfection.

I was feeling pretty optimistic... Then the sun was a no show... decided to hang out behind clouds all morning...
:waiting:

At this point it probably would have been a better idea to change plans and move out side. But I am way too stubborn for that.

At any rate after a while and determining there was just not a chance of getting a good shot with the absence of light I decided to use my on camera flash. Not sure printer paper is a good choice for defuser but it was near by as was the tape so...

Any how, here are the results.

Seriously hate on camera flash.... but what can I do.







So much new information to take in with this people photography thing.

Also grabbed a book on Painting with Light... I am thinking if I try to take that in on top of all this... my head might actually explode.

Feedback welcome and appreciated.

Even from the Wabbit...

*insert Yo Simmty Sam here*

 

[tirediron]

Actually, all things considered, none of those are too bad. Tissue (think "Loo") paper is a great pop-up flash diffuser; printer paper may be a little heavy, but it works. Those are much better than bare flash shots. Try doing some reading over here; granted most of it is geared toward off-camera flash, but there's lots of tips for on-camera work as well.

 

[gw2424]

Though most of these facts won't mean much to you, there are a few great ones!

20 Myths About Becoming a Pro Photographer (And their solutions!)


[h=2]"You can avoid learning lighting and buying flash gear by calling yourself a “natural light photographer.”[/h]

 

[shelby16]

I like the last few that you took of your daughter. Maybe not the first one because her face is really close to the camera, but the others are really nice! You are starting off great, in my opinion.