First cake smash

[jowensphoto]

<img style="margin: 1px;" src="http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=11073&amp;stc=1" attachmentid="11073" alt="" id="vbattach_11073" class="previewthumb"><img src="http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=11074&amp;stc=1" attachmentid="11074" alt="" id="vbattach_11074" class="previewthumb"><img src="http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=11075&amp;stc=1" attachmentid="11075" alt="" id="vbattach_11075" class="previewthumb"><img style="margin: 1px;" src="http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=11076&amp;stc=1" attachmentid="11076" alt="" id="vbattach_11076" class="previewthumb"><br><br>Free 'sesh with my friend's daughter for her first birthday. My first cake smash ever; considering the super harsh light and technical difficulties I had, I'm OK with how they turned out.<br><br>



And a couple of collages I made with Photoscape...

 

[jowensphoto]

Not sure what happened, apologize for 2 of same post. Mods, please delete/lock this one

 

[amandamartin]

Ok, I hope this all doesn't come off as harsh--I just want to be constructive for you if you are serious about a career in photography. First off, are you shooting in auto mode, because it looks like it. The very first thing you should do, if you aren't already is switch to manual settings. You are only going to get dull and flat with the auto setting. Secondly, your lighting is a hot mess. We have hot spots on the face like crazy. Get an assistant to hold a reflector.....and by all means, get your subject out of the direct sun. Put them far enough in the shade so that the direct sun is not hitting them, and then you go and stand in the sunny area. This will give you good lighting in the eyes. The expressions are not great, either. I understand, with this age of child, it can be hard to get smiles at times--I suggest shadowing someone who is amazing at child's play. If you plan to continue photographing children, learning how to make them laugh is key. You composition is really all over the place, too. Read up on rule of thirds.

 

[PinkDoor]

I agree with the comments above. I like that you got down to her level when you shot the picture in the flag bikini. The vignette on the bottom set is too much (IMO) and unnecessary. A nice soft vignette with a center spotlight would be more appropriate. You may want to consider getting photoshop/elements or some type of editing software.

I am also sort of bummed that you say you are "okay with how they turned out". I would suggest finding a park or alternate location, and trying this again.