Fall family photo for C&C

HL45 · Dec 17, 2014

This was shot late afternoon in natural light. The posing is natural, I didn't direct them in anyway so I'm not asking for critique in that area. I'm happy with the way it turned out after editing. Any comments on the strengths and/or weakness would be helpful.
Thanks,

Mitch

Canon EOS 5D Mark III
EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
ƒ/4.0
45.0 mm
1/640
ISO 400
Shot on tripod

Howard_family_2014 by Mitch Wessels, on Flickr

jwilly1 · Dec 17, 2014

I think it's a solid portrait. The only things that I might think about if I were trying this shot would be to perhaps choose a section of the field in the background where the grass that's sticking up above their heads is a little less obvious. I might also have them stand back a little more off the road, or even more on the road to make the picture look more intentional, I guess, if that makes sense? As it is, I see a field and a little strip of road. It might be more interesting to see more or less of the road, in my mind anyway (sometimes a scary place to be). Depending on what you are going for, maybe a tighter crop? Those are just the things that catch my eye. I'm still learning, so take it for what it's worth to you. Beautiful picture of a beautiful family.

Braineack · Dec 17, 2014

the background blur looks [is] faked, and i do not like that.

otherwise i like it, and might try a square crop.

HL45 · Dec 17, 2014

Thanks for the quick replies. I did go PS crazy on the blur. Tried to eliminate the distraction of the tall grass behind the subjects heads. Thanks for the input!

Braineack · Dec 17, 2014

remove the blur and try to just clone them out using the tops of the others.

Designer · Dec 17, 2014

If you forgot your machete at home, look for a place where the background is less intrusive.

HL45 · Dec 17, 2014

crop-1 by Mitch Wessels, on Flickr

Better? I'm not real good with PS but I'm learning. I used LR on this to clone the tops of the grass out, still used a slight blur in the trees.