Born a princess

[Derrel]

Since the discussion has shifted to the backdrop/set, just a few random thoughts from one person's mind: In a normal, typical studio type shot, the background is usually subservient to the subject; however, in an environmental portrait, often the "environment" and hence the background, can be of critical importance. The flooring I find to be very distracting, with its light/dark,light/dark, light/dark transitions spread all over the place: the flooring is actually very distracting, with tons of "eye pull", all over the frame. Light advances, dark recedes, making this flooring VERY eye-catching.

The background wall is I would swear, a pale green under Safari and Mac OS X, but fortunately, the patterning on it is subtle, and not tacky and bold, like so many of these new "drops" are. But color-wise there's nothing "aqua" about it in my way of seeing. With the camera placed as high as it is, we have a flat on the floor sitting pose with the wall/floor junction just above the little girl's mid-back level, which seems just a bit odd to me. If I mentally map out the percentage of child and background, the area devoted to the frame seems to be about 50/50 for the the wall and flooring and the child, in terms of actual frame area. I hope this doesn't come off as being overly critical or harsh, but these are just one person's opinions, but I'm not going to blow smoke up your skirt: as a photography background for SMALL people, that flooring is...awfully eye-pulling...

 

[LCLimages]

You're not harsh Derrel. I always appreciate your honest responses and as someone who's shot a LOT more outside vs inside, the tips are helpful as this is something I want to grow upon.

Plus, you couldn't blow smoke up my skirt even if you tried. I don't wear skirts. Tomboy all the way.

 

[AggieBecky]

Well I like your backdrop a lot which is why I asked where you got it. Maybe it's a female thing.

 

[LCLimages]

totally could be. Thanks!