Hard Core C&C Please, I have mommy goggles on...

misstwinklytoes · Feb 1, 2011

Hey, I just LOVE this pic of my kids and I think the lighting is okay, but I'm hoping to get some good C&C to learn what's wrong with it. I moved this from the other thread because the others were just... bad. :lmao: At least this one doesn't make you *headdesk* I know there's a lot of space on the right side of the frame, but I plan on putting a V-day message there and getting postcards sent out to family.

TIA! :hugs:

Happy Vday! by jenangeljen, on Flickr

Hardrock · Feb 1, 2011

I like it its very cute! My only nit pic is the eyes are a little dark, would have liked to see some color.

tirediron · Feb 1, 2011

C&C per req:

Since you've already addressed the composition/right-side space issue, there's nothing to say there. It's a nice image. A couple of thoughts: Choose contrasting clothing; in this case the girl's top is very nearly the same colour as the background. As well, consider a kicker low and camera left with a diffuser to reduce the shadows below their arms and put some catchlights in the boy's eyes.

Just my $00.02 worth - your mileage may vary.

~John

pvclobster · Feb 1, 2011

I don't know if it's just the image being compressed for the forum, or actually something in your processing, but the pink fur just above their heads seems a little funny-super saturated or something.

misstwinklytoes · Feb 1, 2011

Oh, I know! I was going to say that in the OP, too. I have the hardest time with their eyes! They both have very dark brown eyes naturally, so it's difficult to get enough light in there to show brown instead of black. Thank you for the C&C it's something I'm continuously working on!

misstwinklytoes · Feb 1, 2011

That's probably my lighting lobster. I'm still learning lol. Chances are the flash was more powerful there than anywhere else. Thanks for the C&C I'll see if I can work on it in post.

RauschPhotography · Feb 1, 2011

I'm not really the biggest fan of the background, personally. I think that the overwhelming texture kind of draws away from the subject. Other than that, I would have posed them just a little differently so he's not pressed against her face so much. It's cute either way, the family will love them

misstwinklytoes · Feb 1, 2011

Seriously? I get One thanks a day??

Tired Iron - Thanks for the C&C! Would putting a light lower help get him catchlights as well? He's chubby faced (and chubby everything at 38 lbs and only 2 yr old) so his eyelids and everything appear really heavy. I have the hardest time not giving him black eyes!

misstwinklytoes · Feb 1, 2011

Thanks Rauch! I appreciate you're input! Totally get what you're saying. Unfortunately he doesn't really know how to hug without the death squeeze. I lucked out on this one really without getting the "squeeze face". Maybe I can try something a little different later and see what I come up with.

bluetibby1 · Feb 1, 2011

I like it a lot. I wish my daughter would allow me to take something similar. But only thing I see (take it as it is...im still a noob) would be the eyes (which have been said) and I don't really like the rounded corners, but that's just me. Amazing picture anyways!

misstwinklytoes · Feb 1, 2011

Yeah, I think I OVER rounded the corners, lol More than I wanted anyhow. That was just for the web-use part anyhow. Thanks for your input! Hopefully I'll find a way to make them not look like the demon spawn they are (eyes). :lmao:

ababysean · Feb 1, 2011

If you want hard core cc, go post it over on i love photography! Those girls are no joke! lol

misstwinklytoes · Feb 1, 2011

Oh I know! I've posted a few times, lol. I'm not ready for the HHCC they give, though. I have to get better. :lmao:

Infidel · Feb 1, 2011

I don't have much to add, but I will say that your technical skills have improved SOOO dramatically since you started posting here. Great job!

BTW, cute kids...this photo does them justice.

tirediron · Feb 1, 2011

misstwinklytoes said:
Seriously? I get One thanks a day??

Tired Iron - Thanks for the C&C! Would putting a light lower help get him catchlights as well? He's chubby faced (and chubby everything at 38 lbs and only 2 yr old) so his eyelids and everything appear really heavy. I have the hardest time not giving him black eyes!

I think so; I'm a little unsure of the orientation of people vs. camera vs. lights here, but you want a low-power,diffuse light aimed to illuminate the area under his arms; raise it up just enough so that you get the catch lights. This might take some trial and error (difficult with children I understand) which is why studio strobes with modeling lights are so helpful. Keep going - you're getting there! :thumbup: