First C&C

TenaciousTins · Oct 30, 2011

I'm new here, and am nervous about posting pictures for C&C as you all are wonderful photographers. But I really want to get better and to learn how to use what I have, so here goes!

Equipment that I have is a Canon Rebel T1i with an 18-55mm kit lens and a 430EXII flash with softbox for the flash. I also have a set of reflectors that I just purchased, as well as a black backdrop and a back drop stand. I do most of my photography outside and with very natural lighting. Here are a few of my shots for C&C!

One of the first pics I ever took with a DSLR...my only wish is that I had gotten her in the first 1/3 of the pic. But this was 5 years ago and I had no experience with photography then so...yeah. I just love the colors.

Taken a week ago of my sister Hannah who is 18-did plenty of post processing in Lightroom but didn't get it quite right...any ideas about how to make this look better?

Taken while using reflectors for the first time...my little sister Joanna-she is very pale here due to being sick when I took the pics

Taken of my little sister Leah while experimenting with black backdrop and softbox on flash

Ok that's enough for now. I'm sure I'll be asking for critiques down the road...but don't want to bombard this thread! Thanks in advance!

indioli · Oct 30, 2011

I'm no pro, but here is my opinion (take what you want)
1. Love the idea, but looks like there's slight movement there?
2. Focus is out on the face (same problem I have) Try adjusting your aperture, or focus settings
3. I like
4. I wouldn't take a photo of a person from any level below their nose because it can make them look like they have a double chin, picture the same pose if you'd stepped back a step and up a couple of feet.
5. I personally wouldn't cut off the chin, and just have hair on one side.

Ps.. Don't be nervous. Some people will be nice, some people will be harsh. Don't take anything personally, everyone on here is trying to help people but they sometimes can be a bit short with their responses!!

oldmacman · Oct 30, 2011

I like the colours in the first pic, too. In the second image, I would make the shot about her gorgeous hair by dodging the highlights and burning in the shadows. In the sample below, I also deepened the tones in the background to give the image more depth and then lightened the blues to make them pop a little.

Here is the sample with the modifications:

Of course, whenever someone adjusts this way, their personal preferences start to creep in. Take the above edit with a grain of salt and keep in mind it is done against a low res web version.

TenaciousTins · Oct 30, 2011

Thanks for your C&C! I like to see the various ways that photos can be edited...it opens my eyes to new stuff I might not have known about!

In photo 1, there was movement, you are correct. We were out taking pictures of the sunset, and I told my little sister to throw her hands up in the air...she thought I was stupid so mocked it and did it anyway and that's the photo that came of it. I really enjoy it even though there is that slight movement.

On 2, yes now that you mention it, the face is slightly out of focus. It was pretty dark out when I took the picture so it was hard to see and in general I was having trouble with the focus that day. I will pay closer attention though!

On 4, I didn't even notice it! But now I see what you mean! Won't be doing that again LOL

And I agree about 5, it did need hair on both sides and a chin. My ultimate goal was to get a picture of her eyes because they are beautiful and full of soul, but I don't know how to do that so that's kinda what came of that experiment. I'll try adding the hair and chin next time around!

480sparky · Oct 30, 2011

I love the colors & concept of the silhouette..... save for the huge arm growing out of her head.

Aayria · Oct 31, 2011

I really love the composition in your second shot of the girl.... Would you be up for posting the unedited version for us to play with for you? =)

TenaciousTins · Oct 31, 2011

Sure...which picture is that?

Lol about the arm growing out of the head...that's the other thing that annoys me. Is there any way (should I try to actually pose this sometime) I can avoid that, not being so easy due to the silhouette? I haven't shot silhouettes since then but maybe I should practice!