C&C from a newbie

[fotomumma09]

Here are a few shots of my kiddo's with some editing in PSE. Mostly playing around. I'm still really struggling with focusing on my 60D.

TIA
Ps, I've got broad shoulders!

 

[fotomumma09]

Are they that bad that no one wants to comment??? Lol

 

[DiskoJoe]

Are they that bad that no one wants to comment??? Lol

They are not that bad. About what I would expect from a newbie.

The first one of the little girl is a bit cool on the temperature, too blue. And there is a little to much red tint. You can fix this in post.

The color on the other two is better but they are a bit crooked. Try to keep the camera level and watch how you background is effected by slight tilts. This is what we call distortion.

As for focus. The focus here seems adequate enough for printing. Really sharp focus comes from a steady hand and good quality lens. Im guessing you are just using the kit lens which is okay to start with. If you have a tripod you might try setting the camera on it and taking some shots. This would prevent camera shake. If you dont have one go get one. They come in handy. Your camera should also have a shake meter it it where it will show you when the camera is steady. Get used to using that and your shots will come out with better focus.

 

[fotomumma09]

They are not that bad. About what I would expect from a newbie.

The first one of the little girl is a bit cool on the temperature, too blue. And there is a little to much red tint. You can fix this in post.

The color on the other two is better but they are a bit crooked. Try to keep the camera level and watch how you background is effected by slight tilts. This is what we call distortion.

As for focus. The focus here seems adequate enough for printing. Really sharp focus comes from a steady hand and good quality lens. Im guessing you are just using the kit lens which is okay to start with. If you have a tripod you might try setting the camera on it and taking some shots. This would prevent camera shake. If you dont have one go get one. They come in handy. Your camera should also have a shake meter it it where it will show you when the camera is steady. Get used to using that and your shots will come out with better focus.

Thank you I really appreciate your thoughts! I do have a tripod, I'll bring it out next time. That is great to know that the focus isn't that far off for the lens I'm using. Those were taken with 50mm 1.8. My other lens is the 28-135. I'm really realizing that their is only so much I can do with entry level glass. Sigh...Better start saving! I have my sight set on a 28-70 L.

 

[LuckySe7en]

They look like typical snapshots. Pay attention to the background. This makes a world of difference in your pictures. Try to have the background either look nice and not draw too much attention or have it frame your subject.

Don't under estimate the plastic fantastic. It isnt' called that for nothing. You can get great portraits with this lens.

 

[Bo4key]

I would also suggest getting a reflector or some flash to provide some fill like on shots like number one. The background is brighter than her face and this caused the face to be under exposed IMO.

 

[fotomumma09]

I didn't realize I was supposed to add the info from each shot

1. Shot in AV, ISO 100, aperture 1.8, shutter speed 1/640

2. AV, ISO 100, 1.8 1/1250

3. AV, ISO 100, 1.8, 1/1000

Thanks for all your input, I appreciate you taking the time!

I'm really wanting a speedlite flash and reflector. One thing at a time.