C+C Please

[billross77]

I took these photos as an experiment. I just got a Canon 85mm f1.8 and wanted to see how it looked wide open. All of these are shot with natural light at f1.8. Id like any comments or tips that can help me improve. I would like to know if using flash on camera using FEC would help fill in some of these shadows without killing the rest of the photo.


IMG_2984 by billross77, on Flickr


IMG_2986 by billross77, on Flickr


IMG_3014 by billross77, on Flickr


IMG_3025 by billross77, on Flickr


IMG_3042 by billross77, on Flickr

 

[tirediron]

C&C per req:

1. Flash would have helped, and using FEC (Flash Exposure Compensation) is often a good idea if you can't get the flash off the camera, or can't/don't wish to shoot manual. The exposure isn't too bad, but a little more light, especially on the sweater, to bring out the detail in the blacks would have helped. Watch your crops and avoid the rather awkward crop on the subject's right wrist. I think this would be a better image were you to crop it just below the breasts and eliminate the bare forearms.

2. Essentially as per #1; a large reflector would have worked well here too, as the subject is suffering rather badly from racoon eyes. Again, watch the crops, especially at her wrists/arms.

3. Very nice; either fill flash or a reflector would have worked well here and would have made this a much stronger image.

4. As per #3 regarding expsoure. The leading lines formed by the handrails against which the subject is leaning could be an effective element, however given her position, they actually detract, effectively serving to lead the eye out of the image.

5. Another perfect setting for a reflector. Grab something like a 48" Lastolite, or 5 in 1 and keep it handy for such occasions. It would have helped even out the exposure on her shirt and made her eyes pop. Also watch the little details like her bra strap on the right shoulder. It's called 'underwear' for a reason!

Overall, they're a nice set. As I mentioned, fill-flash in either manual or FEC would have improved them, but my choice would have been a reflector as it would have maintained the shadows and provided much nicer catchlights than the 'pinprick in the pupil' look which screams 'Onboard flash'.

Just my $00.02 worth - your mileage may vary.

~John

 

[billross77]

Thanks....I knew crops were an issue. When taking pictures of the wife, they tend to overrule common crop rules based on what they dont like.

In this situation it was just the two of us going to the park. I do have a 5 in 1 reflector but nobody to hold it. I bought a stand and reflector holder/sandbag setup but its quite a haul to carry around the park. This is why I "thought" on camera would be a better solution.

Points taken..thanks

 

[tirediron]

If you have a removable flash, a workable solution might be to get an inexpensive radio trigger or hotshoe extension cable so that you can get the flash off the camera. Hold the flash in one hand, camera in the other... not ideal but it may help.

 

[billross77]

I do have triggers for both of my flashes. I just hate the legwork of setting it all up and moving it from scene to scene. Sounds like I may just have to accept it and carry everything with me.

 

[LuckySe7en]

watch for shadows on the face. Overall not bad. As tirediron said, a flash would have helped. I like #2 the best. I'm totally digging the contrast of her black shirt against that red wall.

 

[billross77]

Here are some I took yesterday of my daughter, trying out the HSS. I was also more careful to make sure that I had her back to the sun. Still not 100% happy, but I think the face is better.


IMG_3207 by billross77, on Flickr


IMG_3138 by billross77, on Flickr


IMG_3124 by billross77, on Flickr


IMG_3116 by billross77, on Flickr

 

[billross77]

Selfish bump for feedback