Family photos - New day

[quickphotography78]

Family photos - I had a black backdrop but edited to make the backdrop darker can I get that look without the edit. I'm sure my exposure is off and I know the one pick has a shadow in the one corner.

 

[misstwinklytoes]

#2.... little boy on right looks like he was cast out.
#3 Her fingers are clipped, otherwise a very nice photo. Also, probably the best exposed.
#4 Her left arm looks awkward. I like the idea of the pose, but it just looks odd.
#5 The people are underexposed. Wrists and elbows are chopped. Doesn't look like a good conversion to B&W

This is just my opinion and I totally don't fully understand lighting and such.

 

[subscuck]

I can't give specifics on lighting, cause that's something I'm not an expert on. However, darkening the bg didn't do you any favors, as the subjects blend in with it. There should be good visual seperation between subject(s) and bg. Are you using the pop up or a speed lite? Of the bunch, I think #1 has the best feel to it, looks rather spontanious (sp?) and shows nice interaction between mom and son. The rest of the poses are kinda typical commercial family photog. White was probably not the best color for shirts, I would have gone for some color, something light or midtone. All of these could use a contrast bump in post, and definately some sharpening. Start playing around in Av and manual as well, getting away from the presets will give you control.

 

[subscuck]

#2.... little boy on right looks like he was cast out.

LOL. Didn't really notice that, but you're right.

 

[mc1979]

Am I the only one that thinks #4 looks like mom is sitting on the son????

 

[Robin Usagani]

I dont do studio photos but ill give a cc anyway.

I think the light looks flat. The kids heads and dark jeans get lost with the dark background. Doesnt look professional when I see these pictures.

 

[RauschPhotography]

In picture #3, one of the kids is missing from the shot. Is there a reason why you excluded him? He's looking out of place in #1, as well... Kind of gives the "outcast" vibe to that child in particular.

 

[quickphotography78]

misstwinklytoes - #2 yeah he wasn't very happy about getting pics he did start warming up after awhile just not in that one and maybe number 3 he was a little mad but candy seemed to do the trick, is it ok to bribe kids? haha #3 I didn't even noticed I cut out her fingers and I probably never would have #4 the young lady came up with the pose we did some really different ones at the end. as for the last and maybe most of them I am not very good yet with the editing I still have lots to learn but I am sure I will as I make mistakes. Thanks I wouldn't of noticed most of this. I am still learning my camera and lighting any suggestions on what to practice on would be great. subjects? Finally getting warm hope to get out and do more photos of whatever I can find

 

[Shadowbox]

In picture #3, one of the kids is missing from the shot. Is there a reason why you excluded him? He's looking out of place in #1, as well... Kind of gives the "outcast" vibe to that child in particular.

That was my thought exactly. My first impression of photo two was .. 'aww poor kid is left out' .. then right away with photo threeI thought.. Oh maybe, he's a step-son or some other type of 'not as included' family member. Not to mention his lack of a smile kinda makes the kid look really lonely and abandoned so that distracts from the rest of the photo session and any technical issues. Most people respond to the emotions photo's create, and these photo's create the emotion that some kid is not wanted.

 

[quickphotography78]

I was using a Canon Speedlite 430EX II I have a Canon xs and t2i I am new to dslr cameras so still learning and just got the speedlite. How sharp is too sharp? I have had a lot of photos that seemed soft or where told they were but worried if I go sharp it will look really grainy. As for the child looking as outcast or not in photo his mom pulled him out since he was having a fit over getting photos done and said it would just be easier. so what do you do when a kid doesn't want photos taken?? I have another of this group where he is in it and smileing but wasn't one of the better shots. I know they were blending in with the background I'm not a professional these are really the beginning of what I have so I know they will not be perfect but hopefully get better as I go. Thanks

 

[quickphotography78]

OH in #2 we tried to get him to stand or get on his knees behind his sister and he wouldn't I know that would of make the pose better. I now know how photographers felt with my kids they acted like they didn't want them done and acted up through the whole thing until they were older but they were also under 5 yrs.

 

[Shadowbox]

Shoot him separately and clone him in? What experience I have with kids is that a lot of times the parents like to get in the way instead of letting you work your magic haha. Maybe just engage him in conversation, find out his interests & help him loosen up.

 

[KmH]

Family photos - I had a black backdrop but edited to make the backdrop darker can I get that look without the edit.

Using strobed (flash) lighting you can use shutter speed to make the backdrop completely black, as long as there is no light spilling onto the backdrop and your subjects are far enough away from the backdrop.

Since you have the key light (main) on the camera lens axis in these shots, you are also lighting the black backdrop.

 

[mrpink]

misstwinklytoes - #2 yeah he wasn't very happy about getting pics

This seems like a reoccurring theme with you and your photography... might I suggest you shoot landscapes??

As for this set, I would suggest a rim light to add some separation from the background.




p!nK

 

[quickphotography78]

Never thought to clone him in though I have done that before apparently not with this one. So how do you get the parents to not get in the way without being rude? I maybe lacking the magic right now my plan over the next couple weeks is to get out and take many photos before my kids get out of school we will see how those turn out never did landscaping photos. hmmm