New to thread, please help me with my photography

[Thang]

Hi everyone! I just joined this forum today. I figure its a new year, I really need to work on getting better at photography. Let me give you some background information about me first. I've been shooting with a DSLR for about 4 years now but haven't really gone public to get my work critique. In 2013, I would like to generate some income off photography by doing some wedding photography but I wanted to get opinions on my photos.

These photos were shot with a D800, 70-200mm f/2.8 lens on a tripod. 1 strobe was used to bounce the light around the room. The shots were taken in my bedroom in my apartment.

With that said, please let me know how you guys think I can improve on these photos?

1. No strobes used here. Just lights from the christmas lights.


2. Again, no strobes. I think the photo is kind of dark. Maybe I need to light the faces more.


3. Strobe used here.


4. strobes used here


What do you guys think? Any input will be greatly appreciated.

 

[frommrstomommy]

I like 3, but I don't think the tiny bit of tree does anything for the shot. I say either more tree maybe.. or none at all.

 

[QobraKhan]

I like the idea, of using the Christmas lights to add light to your subject, discretely, that is close to genius...Grady shots btw

 

[Sarmad]

I like all of them, the third one is my favorite, beautiful light. I do like the idea of those Christmas lights in second photo!

 

[Thang]

I like 3, but I don't think the tiny bit of tree does anything for the shot. I say either more tree maybe.. or none at all.

I agree with you frommrstomommy. I wanted a bigger tree but target only had a skinny tree so I had to make use of what I could get. Oh well... next year