Family Portraits

[Heather Koch]

What... My third shot at this?

We had thought it was going to be nice, but it ended up being freezing... 37 degrees. So the girls were cold, to say the least.

C&C welcome, as always.

DET_0007-2 copy by heather.koch43, on Flickr

DET_0007-2memory copy by heather.koch43, on Flickr

DET_0124-2 by heather.koch43, on Flickr


DET_0124-3 by heather.koch43, on Flickr


DET_0126-2color by heather.koch43, on Flickr


DET_0126-2 by heather.koch43, on Flickr

DET_0126-2bw by heather.koch43, on Flickr

DET_0115-3 by heather.koch43, on Flickr

DET_0115-2 by heather.koch43, on Flickr

 

[vintagesnaps]

Seems like you're getting there but it looks like you could still work on proper exposures/adjustments and framing.

The tree trunks seem to cut thru them/the composition and somewhat draw the viewers' eyes along those lines created. I like using the leaves/branches to frame them but I'd think about where the leaves are in relation to them and how much of the leaves are showing in the picture.

I think it might have looked better to not have the top edge of the corn stalks across the tops of the heads so you don't have a line going straight across them (and it doesn't look like it was framed quite straight or was shot from a bit of an angle). They're framed low too, the subjects are barely in the picture.

The B&W could be adjusted for black instead of charcoal but the color versions look somewhat off too (not sure if that was exposure or processing). I'd think about arranging a blanket after the subjects get seated especially with plaid to make sure the folds and the lines/pattern will look good in the picture.

 

[Heather Koch]

Seems like you're getting there but it looks like you could still work on proper exposures/adjustments and framing.

The tree trunks seem to cut thru them/the composition and somewhat draw the viewers' eyes along those lines created. I like using the leaves/branches to frame them but I'd think about where the leaves are in relation to them and how much of the leaves are showing in the picture.

I think it might have looked better to not have the top edge of the corn stalks across the tops of the heads so you don't have a line going straight across them (and it doesn't look like it was framed quite straight or was shot from a bit of an angle). They're framed low too, the subjects are barely in the picture.

The B&W could be adjusted for black instead of charcoal but the color versions look somewhat off too (not sure if that was exposure or processing). I'd think about arranging a blanket after the subjects get seated especially with plaid to make sure the folds and the lines/pattern will look good in the picture.

Yeah those trees had me a little sad when I looked at the pictures... All of them but this one the girls weren't smiling or looking away. The youngest one is very, VERY hard to photograph, they have gone through several professional photographers and have no good results because Cora is never smiling or looking at the camera.

Yes, I see the corn stalks now, it is a bit off.

The color version is half color, because I liked that version better. I can upload more color versions.

As for the blanket and arrangement, Cora was very upset and was crying right before those shots were taken, so the mom quickly threw the blanket down and hopped on because it was way to cold. Better planning would have been necessary...

 

[Rick50]

Some fill flash would help these lighten up. A bit dark as is. Really cute girls.

 

[Heather Koch]

Some fill flash would help these lighten up. A bit dark as is. Really cute girls.

Yes, 100% yes. What flash would you recommend? This is my next item of purchase.

I was prepared with my reflector, but with the time change the sun was setting at 430...

 

[Rick50]

Well, I don't know your camera and I don't know much about what others have done.
I had some money a year ago and I bought two Canon 600EX-RT flash (their latest) along with the RT-EX Radio Transmitter allowing me to use off camera flash with no cables. This is an awesome set up but it's also pricey as all get out. My camera is a Canon 5D3 and it works great with these flash.
I have read that people have used and liked Yongnuo flash heads and like them.
Link:
Amazon.com: yongnuo flash
Think about having the flash off camera whether by cable or radio link. There are other radio links available.
I often set my flash on its own stand and place it and move the camera.

 

[tirediron]

Any TTL capable flash will do the job. I would recommend a manufacturer's flash as your first flash since even the best of third party gear isn't quite as good, but if the budget runs to Yongnuo, that's what the budget runs to. Whatever you do, save up the extra $100 for a trigger, stand and umbrella to get the speedlight OFF of the camera. Even if all you do is move it a few feet away, you will see the quality of your work go up a LOT!

 

[Heather Koch]

Thanks, both of you!

 

[Heather Koch]

I found two sets of studio lights, in which I can probably use outdoors as well?

What do you think of these?

LimoStudio-Photography Portrait Light Kit

CowboyStudio Photography Light Kit

 

[Designer]

.. with the time change the sun was setting at 430...

Stupid sun!

 

[Heather Koch]

Sorry, I forgot to number them again...

But here is my favorite of the group shots

DET_0150-3 by heather.koch43, on Flickr

 

[xzyragon]

your whitebalance seems off in the color ones. Too cool for an autumn scene

 

[dannylightning]

The colors always look off in your photos of people. the ones that are black and white look nice though but to me your processing is not making your photos look that great.

I got 2 newer VK750 II speed light which are I-ttl comparable for nikon cameras, there around 55 bucks each and in my opinion well worth the money, works much better than the built in flash in my camera and also works great off camera.

For a first flash you cant go wrong with one of these since you wont break the bank, I saw some reviews comparing it to a expensive nikon speed light and well, most people seem to think it works just as good but I would not really know since I have no experience with any other speed lights, I just know I liked it enough to buy a second one and it wont break the bank.

 

[Derrel]

I found two sets of studio lights, in which I can probably use outdoors as well?

What do you think of these?

LimoStudio-Photography Portrait Light Kit

CowboyStudio Photography Light Kit

Both of those are...junky. They might look okay, but those low-power fluorescent bulbs are almost useless for people work. Acceptable for things that do not move, like eBay products, but a $45 Yongnuo flash will put out significantly MORE LIGHT, and run off of batteries within the unit. Save your money and don't buy anything from ClownboyStudio...they have great advertising and marketing and substandard products.

 

[tirediron]

I found two sets of studio lights, in which I can probably use outdoors as well?

What do you think of these?

LimoStudio-Photography Portrait Light Kit

CowboyStudio Photography Light Kit

I can't actually answer that as this is a family-friendly forum! Derrel's recommendation of the speedlights is very good, there are also some decent, but inexpensive studio lights such as Adorama's Flashpoint line.