Few of my shots so far, C&C please!

[myko5]

Well here goes... my first C&C. Im using a Nikon D5000. First picture I was attempting for the first time using the M mode. The second shot is just on auto.

This first picture I was trying to just get some time on my lighting set up. (smith-victor KT800U) Just a continuous lighting kit. I was using a white background (Bedsheet), and did not like the way it came out. So I PS'd it and took the background out and inserted the one shown. I messed with the contrast/lighting of my daughter too in PS, but I couldn't tell you what I do as I usually just keep tweeking it until I think its decent.

Took my camera with my over to the school in my backyard to try and work on some compostion while my 4 yr old daughter got some playtime in. I thought this came out nice, but since I am also trying to learn PS, I changed the photo to B&W while leaving her in color. Seems to be my favorite thing to do lately

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[NikonNewbie]

I love them both, but the 1st background does not do it for me...love how you did the second one...I'm still learning photoshop, I don't see how to do that in my book...drats!

 

[reznap]

I like what you did with the background on #1.. pretty good job. If you got a shot with open eyes and some catchlights I think it would look great. Fingers cut off and centered composition are things to consider not doing the next time.

#2 doesn't really say much to me. Can't see a face, other swing is blocking her, wayyyy too much space on the left. I personally think selective coloring is cheesy and gimmicky but there's a large group of people out there that gush over it too.

 

[LittleItaly]

Anything with a smiling baby in it is a :thumbup: for me! Super cute!

 

[samfarrell]

love the black and white photo with the girls still in colour and the shadowy background, brilliant!!!!! :thumbup:

 

[Blake.Oney]

I don't know your experience with PS, but that background job was a pretty good one especially if you're still a beginner at it. It really doesn't look too much like it was added. I mean I can tell, but I also have an associates in graphic design and have been using PS since like PS 7 or something. Good job over all on that shot. The second I'm with rez on.

 

[Bitter Jeweler]

Now I like that second one, and it's one of the few times I think selective color really works. I say I like it, but there are things I would like to have seen done differently. I think it would have been nice shot in portrait orientation. The left of the images is useless as it is. I love the DoF of the swings bringing you from the front to the girl for a big payoff. Too bad she isn't looking up.

 

[GeorgieGirl]

Just crop the 1st one a bit. I love it!!! A little nudie girl with nothing but a winter hat a big cheerful smile and some baby lotion smell. Love the contrast of that idea with the background you chose that reminds me of winter snow to match that hat...and what an expression in that image capture.So much fun!!!:thumbup:

Great Job!!!

 

[Corvphotography]

i LOVE the first picture. You did a fantastic job messing w the background. I like it alot. IM not a prop w PS but you probably did better than most. Next time zoom out a tiny bit so we can get the whole upper torso.

The 2nd pic doesnt do anything for me. Too much dead space. maybe if you had the swing set from the front instead of from the side.

 

[myko5]

Thanks for all the responses. I will definitly keep it all in mind while im trying to improve my skills. I haven't had any formal instruction, so this is about as close to it gets for me.

I definitly agree that it would have looked nicer with my daughters eyes having a little more catchlight i guess the word is. I Defintly wish I could have done more for her hands also, but in the original i was working from, she was leaning on a wicker basket. I knew it wasn't a perfect picture, but greatly improved with photoshop.

As for the second, I thought about trying to take the swing out the was right in the middle of her body. But I really didn't have the time to put that effort in. after all, I do have to chase these two little kids around. I was hoping she would swing normal so I could have gotten a shot of her actually swinging forward, but my daughter just likes to twist herself up and then spin around.

Thanks for the positive feedback on the photoshop skills. As for my background, its roughly the last 4 weeks of self teaching myself with trial and error. The little bit I learned in school was roughly 8 years ago, and mostly forgotten.

For those who might like it better, here is that same shot in B&W with the swings. I did it at the same time just to see which I liked better, and Im still sticking with the bit of color.

 

[Light Artisan]

I mean I can tell, but I also have an associates in graphic design and have been using PS since like PS 7 or something.

Man that makes me feel old... So you never had the pleasure of working with Photoshop before layers were introduced. That was a glorious day.


Love the second one, beautiful work.