My kids are super photogenic.

[jake337]

So can someone show me an example of a good photo with interesting background and good composition? I learn better from example then explanation.

http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/...lla-one-gel-one-reflector-girls-portrait.html

 

[jake337]

Just so you know. There are no such thing as photogenic people, only photographers who understand how to create a flattering images of their subject.

 

[SoonerBJJ]

So can someone show me an example of a good photo with interesting background and good composition? I learn better from example then explanation.

Have you put even the least bit of effort into finding this out for yourself? It doesn't take long to figure out around here who has discerning eyes and gives valid critiques and who blows smoke and hasn't an F'n clue. Look at other threads. Evaluate the images by your own eye then see what others have to say. Look at the work of good photographers in your genre. Analyze composition, technique and processing to understand why the good images "work."

You keep reminding us that you don't have any "training or knowledge." Well, I would guess most of us don't have any formal training but we are constantly seeking new knowledge. You are either willing to tackle that... or you aren't. If you aren't willing to put in the work, and take your lumps with C&C, then your images will probably always suck.

Go look at photographs... good ones and bad ones. Figure out what makes them good and bad. Study composition and the technical side of photography. Then practice, practice, practice.

 

[jake337]

children portraits - Flickr: Search

 

[MWC2]

JerseyJules, while I understand how you feel hurt that you didn't get the response you were thinking you were going to get (praise), you have to understand that this is group of photographers (newbies and seasoned pros) they look at pictures differently than family and friends will. You pictures are wonderful snapshots of your children, you captured wonderful memories. Technically there are more than a few issues, if you are wanting to improve, listen to those that offer help. Do not come off as uppity, snotty or full of oneself because believe me there is always someone here that will knock you down a peg or two.

When I posted my first image here, I thought I rocked the world, I mean why wouldn't I? My family and friends were telling me I was great! Looking back I can't believe I thought I was a "natural" at photography. I've been here over a year, I read a ton, learn even more and post an image for C&C every now and again and you know what? I'm still no where close to being half way as good as I thought I was when I first posted here.

You have cute children, they seem to like being infront of the camera. Use that to your advantage, practice as much as you can. I don't know what your goals with photography are, they might be as simple as mine. To take the best possible family pictures I can or you might be more loafty and have your eyes set on becoming a professional, either way the people on this forum will help you reach those goals. You just have to open yourself up to the help they offer. They might not deliver the message in the nicest way (no sugar coating it) but they will more than willing to guide you in the right direction. You just have to be nicer in your delivery of your questions. No one wants to help a sore apple.

 

[Jaemie]

Here's an exceptionally good photo by Alfie Goodrich, one of my favourite professional photographers. Yes, it's of a famous person, Yoko Ono-Lennon, but he managed to coax a very expressive and revealing side of her and capture it beautifully. The light in her eyes is wonderful, and she's clearly a little uncomfortable that her defensive props (hat and dark glasses) have become useless before the photographer's lens.

http://japanorama.co.uk/wp-content/gallery/lennon_ono/ag_bbc_beatles_ono_0001.jpg

Here's the story behind the photo: http://japanorama.co.uk/2008/12/10/yoko-ono-in-tokyo-john-lennon-museum-beatles-tribute-band/

 

[seakritter]

JerseyJules, while I understand how you feel hurt that you didn't get the response you were thinking you were going to get (praise), you have to understand that this is group of photographers (newbies and seasoned pros) they look at pictures differently than family and friends will. You pictures are wonderful snapshots of your children, you captured wonderful memories. Technically there are more than a few issues, if you are wanting to improve, listen to those that offer help. Do not come off as uppity, snotty or full of oneself because believe me there is always someone here that will knock you down a peg or two.

When I posted my first image here, I thought I rocked the world, I mean why wouldn't I? My family and friends were telling me I was great! Looking back I can't believe I thought I was a "natural" at photography. I've been here over a year, I read a ton, learn even more and post an image for C&C every now and again and you know what? I'm still no where close to being half way as good as I thought I was when I first posted here.

You have cute children, they seem to like being infront of the camera. Use that to your advantage, practice as much as you can. I don't know what your goals with photography are, they might be as simple as mine. To take the best possible family pictures I can or you might be more loafty and have your eyes set on becoming a professional, either way the people on this forum will help you reach those goals. You just have to open yourself up to the help they offer. They might not deliver the message in the nicest way (no sugar coating it) but they will more than willing to guide you in the right direction. You just have to be nicer in your delivery of your questions. No one wants to help a sore apple.

Well said cheers

"As I Wander"

 

[Photographiend]

Jules - Yes, you will run into a lot of egos here. I am new here too and I noticed the same thing right away. But, what you have to ask yourself is "Does the Talent match the Ego?" There are some very talented photographers in this form. Some of which took the time to give you some valuable critique. And when it is coming from someone who knows their way around a good shot you just have to be willing to take your lumps.

I am envious of you out of the sheer number of them you have piling up with feedback!

You have an opportunity to learn and grow from this experience. But, speaking as a fellow amateur, the ego you are caring around just isn't justified by the quality of your work.

 

[jake337]

JerseyJules, while I understand how you feel hurt that you didn't get the response you were thinking you were going to get (praise), you have to understand that this is group of photographers (newbies and seasoned pros) they look at pictures differently than family and friends will. You pictures are wonderful snapshots of your children, you captured wonderful memories. Technically there are more than a few issues, if you are wanting to improve, listen to those that offer help. Do not come off as uppity, snotty or full of oneself because believe me there is always someone here that will knock you down a peg or two.

When I posted my first image here, I thought I rocked the world, I mean why wouldn't I? My family and friends were telling me I was great! Looking back I can't believe I thought I was a "natural" at photography. I've been here over a year, I read a ton, learn even more and post an image for C&C every now and again and you know what? I'm still no where close to being half way as good as I thought I was when I first posted here.

You have cute children, they seem to like being infront of the camera. Use that to your advantage, practice as much as you can. I don't know what your goals with photography are, they might be as simple as mine. To take the best possible family pictures I can or you might be more loafty and have your eyes set on becoming a professional, either way the people on this forum will help you reach those goals. You just have to open yourself up to the help they offer. They might not deliver the message in the nicest way (no sugar coating it) but they will more than willing to guide you in the right direction. You just have to be nicer in your delivery of your questions. No one wants to help a sore apple.

Exactly! Obviously you have adorable children, who doesn't? But we are not looking at your children. We are looking at how you chose to flatter them in the image, how you composed the image, how you lit your subjects, how you post processed the image, etc. These things are not easy to do and take a lifetime of practice. Even seasoned professionals will tell you they are still learning everyday.

So please do not take anything anyone said the wrong way.

 

[Derrel]

So can someone show me an example of a good photo with interesting background and good composition? I learn better from example then explanation.

These three photos show the type of simplicity and singleness of purpose that I strive for when taking family snaps. Not that these are "great" photos, but as family snaps, I think these three shots are pretty decent. Each one has a clear subject that is sharp, and has a very simple background that does not distract from the subject. The subjects are easy to "see", although I will admit that the processing in the last shot, the one of my wife's little nephew on the jungle gym is NOT very good...I shot that back in 2002 with the original Nikon D1, in JPEG mode most likely, and didn't know how to process digital images very well a decade ago. That kid is now thinking of attending Harvard University this fall! zOMG...I STILL think of him as this, a gap-toothed little boy!

"Look! I drew myself!" she said. SOooo cute!

 

[pgriz]

Those of us who have kids, have the cutest kids in the world. We never tire of looking at pictures of OUR kids, or grandkids. That's normal. And when these kind of images are posted in forums (like facebook) where most people actually know us and the kids, then of course everyone will say they are wonderful (or they will be unfriended in a microsecond).

Then, there are photographs shown to complete strangers. Strangers have no emotional attachment to the kids. Those strangers who have their own kids will KNOW that their are much more photogenic and cute and just better people than your kids. So any statement saying that one's own kids are wonderful will be immediately discounted. Even if true.

Photographs shown to strangers on a photography forum, this or most others, will be assessed first as "photographs". That is the nature of a photography forum. The only thing that matters is whether the image stands up on its own. A crappy image taken by a Nobel-Prize and Pulitzer winner, will still be judged to be a crappy image if it is that. And since the audience on this forum ranges from wet-behind-the-ears newbies who discovered pictures yesterday, all the way to seasoned professionals with many years of renown publishing experience, you're gonna get a variety of responses. It helps to know who is doing the commenting, and what they are picking up on. It helps to spend a bit of time lurking and seeing which posters give good, solid advice, which usually is NOT giftwrapped with a pink ribbon on top.

So the question is... JerseyJules - what is your motivation behind posting the images you posted? If you genuinely want to improve the quality of your images, this is a very good place. But you then need to see the images as strictly images, subject to being critiqued and commented on. If you want to play the proud Mom/Dad, then this is not a good place to post, since the vast majority of people here don't know you, and don't know your kids, and won't be approaching your images with the reverence you would like them to feel.

 

[Jaemie]

^^ Nice family photos, Derrel. I'd add that they are well-composed and include no wild special effects or heavy PP.

 

[seakritter]

JerseyJules, look at it this way if no one comments that's bad, I take that to mean that either there is not any worth looking at or no one cares about your work enough to comment on it, so stiff up lip and pull back the on the bridle of the ego horse just a bit.

"As I Wander"

 

[jake337]

This is one of my favorite photographs I've taken of my son. But when looking at it from a photographers point of view I see the headlights of the cars, a tree growing out of his head, uneven background lighting going through his face, etc. A great family snap that's printed out 20x30 above out TV but not the best when in comes to composition.

​

Another one of my favorites. But again looking in from the outside his hair is lost in the background, he is chewing on a spoon, the print on his shirt is distracting.

​

Another one I love. But his eyes are shut, highlights are blown out in the face and clothes.

​

Ya just gotta take off the "mommy and daddy" goggles and look at what you're creating from an outsiders perspective.

 

[SoonerBJJ]

As one who enjoys shooting my own kids around the house, I really appreciate those spontaneous environmental shots. The background will never have the manicured look of a studio shoot and it is inevitable that there will always be clothes lying on that chair in the background. Lighting will often be suboptimal. You can mitigate those things beyond your control by perfecting those that are within your control. In my opinion, that is where technical proficiency becomes imperative. You must know how to work your camera, i.e. perfect focus, appropriate use of DOF, etc.

For instance, I love Derrel's #1 above. You can feel the spontaneity of the moment and IMO it is technically good enough that I don't even notice the technique... if that makes sense. Contrast that with your own. I actually like #4 for the same reasons given above. The rest of them have major technical or compositional flaws that are distracting enough that I wouldn't give them a second look if they weren't my own kid. Derrel's #1 and your #4 get my attention enough to give them a second look and a moment out of my day to consider what's happening in the image. IMHO that's all you can ask of a complete stranger that has no emotional connection to the child in the image. Just my .02