My first baby photoshoot

[Kbarredo]

Been in photography for a year this is my first baby shoot. Critique please.

Thanks:mrgreen:

 

[Emilymarie]

I'd skip the sepia PPing, not flattering at all.

 

[NiciMarie]

I agree with Emilymarie --- it's not a flattering tone at all. Did you take any of the full baby?

 

[MissCream]

They are all quite under exposed.

 

[BJPhotography]

Im no professional but I like the first one alot! I dont like the sepia on the feet one. I dont like the head shot looking down on the last one. The one with the hat on is cute but the hat doesnt match the outfit so I think it would have been nicer without the hat, maybe. I like the one of the momma holding the baby on her arm. Cute poses. Typical poses that you'd see with baby shots. Where did you take these photos and what did you use for a backdrop?

 

[gsgary]

Keep an eye on your shutter speeds they were way too low, most are soft due to this

 

[Kbarredo]

Its actually soft because i used gaussian blur to get rid or him dark veins. Also i forgot to set the exposure comp back to 0 in manual so it kept saying i was over exposed. Oh well next time ill make sure to check. As for the outfit unfortunately this is not my child. We wanted him to be naked but he cried everytime i took off his clothes so we had to use what he came in with. Unfortunately it didnt match my props. You guys have to remember also that screen settings can make pictures under or overexposed depending on how bright you set it.

 

[Photogger]

Just a tip, babies cry when they are undressed usually due to the temp changes, they like to be warm and snuggly! Crank up the heat to the point where you are sweating with clothes on and they will be comfy then. Have parents feed the baby right before the shooting begins. I know that parents want certain things but remember that you are the one in charge of your photography, suggest what you think will be the best, if they still insist then do a "your way-my way" and show them the difference. Sometimes that's all it takes for them to do exactly what you need!

 

[mrpink]

You guys have to remember also that screen settings can make pictures under or overexposed depending on how bright you set it.

They are underexposed, especially for newborn/infant photography. Usually you want to be almost 1 full stop over.





p!nK

 

[lyonsroar]

Its actually soft because i used gaussian blur to get rid or him dark veins.

That maybe compounded the soft-ness, but the shutter speeds are still too slow.

#2:
Exposure Time - 1/20
F Number - 5.6
Exposure Program - Manual
ISO Speed Ratings - 200
Metering Mode - Pattern
Flash - Flash did not fire
Focal Length - 52

 

[Kbarredo]

where do you see all the info. Also like I said all underexposed because I made a rookie mistake and forgot to set ex comp back to 0. I thought my camera meter was broken. I had to check exposure through the tiny screen. Oh well nothing levels can't fix

 

[ababysean]

I think maybe you need to study a few of the newborn photographers images....

Like Kristen Cook Newborn, Baby and Wedding Photography in Melbourne :: Kristen Cook {The Blog}

or

Kristina Rachelle... Newborn Baby Sessions » Kristin Rachelle Photography

and then understand that levels can not fix exposure....

and then learn some post processing other then blur to fix newborn skin tones, so that you do not have to sepia the photos to make them look artistic....

and I hope you are not thinking I am knocking you or making fun, just trying to help.

 

[lyonsroar]

where do you see all the info. Also like I said all underexposed because I made a rookie mistake and forgot to set ex comp back to 0. I thought my camera meter was broken. I had to check exposure through the tiny screen. Oh well nothing levels can't fix

EXIF data. I have a plugin on my Chrome browser all I have to do is right click on the pic and click "view EXIF data" and it shows me all. You can strip it out if you don't want people to know...

 

[LindseyTorres]

I take at least one space heater to a newborn photo shoot.

Does your camera show a histogram? Don't look at the LCD screen. Use the histogram and the blinking lights that are in the photo next to the histogram. I try to expose as much as possible for the skin tone, provided there isn't any white in the photo. If there is white, I give as much exposure as possible without blowing it out. Then, I lighten the photo in photoshop. As everyone already said, the photos are too dark. And, the editing isn't good....sorry. Have you tried actions by Florabella? They are amazing! Before Florabella, I wasn't that great at editing.

The third photo has too much light on the left side of the baby and not on the face. You could either reposition the baby to face the light or you could use a reflector panel to fill in the dark areas. But, I always face the baby's face toward the light.

Also, wear gloves to a newborn shoot so your cold hands don't wake the baby.

I would recommend not using the gaussian blur to remove veins. Clone stamp them out, then use a plug in for photoshop called Portraiture. Costs $200 and it is amazing! Use it ONLY on the skin, not the hair, eyes or clothes.

I like the first shot, except for the exposure, and try to get the whole arm in the shot. I love that the baby's eyes are open. So sweet.

I love the composition on the second shot.

The last one is nice too.

If you want to check out my work using florabella actions and Portraiture, go to www.sweetpeaphotodesign.com and go to my gallery called "babes and bumps".

And, lastly, I think you have an eye for baby photography. Just keep practicing!

 

[LindseyTorres]

I forgot to say one more thing...always, always, always, get the exposure right in camera. Skin tones look dull and gray if they are not properly exposed for. Skin that looks great in camera looks AMAZING after PS!