Newborn daughter photos

[Mikhal]

I was finally able to start taking some pictures, out of the hospital, of my newborn daughter. She is now a month old. I would really like some feedback to see what I can do to make them better. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Space Face]

Magic. Congratulations. I'm not a portrait tog so not in a position to offer advice but No 3 is a complete belter. Love it.

 

[Photo Lady]

congratulations on a beautiful daughter.... beautiful photos..........

 

[Mikhal]

Thanks!

I think one of the things that I learned by trial and error is to change levels so everything isn't a sky shot. None of the pictures were posed, just her being her during tummy time. (and not being fussy lol)

 

[Jeff G]

Mikhal, congrats on the new arrival! Two and three are both beautiful shots., number four could use a little leveling (bring the right side down a bit). Looks like a little extra lighting would help too. I suck at people photos so I'm sure others will have better tips. Overall I'd say your off to a nice set of memories.

 

[CherylL]

Sweet shots and Congratulations! Lay her facing the window and try to get catch lights in her eyes. Not direct window light.

 

[Mikhal]

Mikhal, congrats on the new arrival! Two and three are both beautiful shots., number four could use a little leveling (bring the right side down a bit). Looks like a little extra lighting would help too. I suck at people photos so I'm sure others will have better tips. Overall I'd say your off to a nice set of memories.

Thanks! I am so new at taking people photos. I see what you mean about the leveling, I could probably clean that up in post with out losing too much for that photo. Getting on the ground is a little bit harder as I get older lol, but the other shots so it is worth it.

 

[Mikhal]

Sweet shots and Congratulations! Lay her facing the window and try to get catch lights in her eyes. Not direct window light.

There should be a lot better light coming up in the next few days. It would be even nicer if we could get out and go somewhere, but that will have to wait until all this other stuff calms down.

 

[enezdez13 4]

Congratulations!

 

[Mikhal]

I feel like I had a little more success with the natural light as well as more patience to get a better shot. I do have a flash where I am able to adjust intensity and direction but I haven't had the opportunity to mess with it, maybe that can help some of the lighting issues?

 

[Jeff G]

Much better lighting and some great expressions.

 

[Derrel]

Flash bounced off of a wall, ceiling, or corner can give some nice lightning. Zoom the flash head to 70-105mm angle of coverage to get a nice, concentrated beam of flash to bounce.

 

[Designer]

I feel like I had a little more success with the natural light as well as more patience to get a better shot. I do have a flash where I am able to adjust intensity and direction but I haven't had the opportunity to mess with it, maybe that can help some of the lighting issues?

The light does want to be on the face, but not flat, even light. try for more of a "modeling" light which will articulate the facial contours. Have your main light coming in at a slight angle to the face.

Derrel's suggestion of bouncing the light off a surface is what you want to do. If you don't have a white or nearly white wall or ceiling, get a large panel of white foamcore to act as a reflector. You can even use someone's white shirt in a pinch. Position your reflecting surface at an angle to your subject's face, and bounce your light off that.

Yes, you can use daylight coming in a window for your main light, but it will be pure chance if you get good light at the exact time you want to use it. Which is one reason pros use flash. They need to get the shot when the getting's good.

 

[Mikhal]

Much better lighting and some great expressions.

Thanks! All non posed, just waited A LOT for her to do something

 

[Mikhal]

Flash bounced off of a wall, ceiling, or corner can give some nice lightning. Zoom the flash head to 70-105mm angle of coverage to get a nice, concentrated beam of flash to bounce.

Thanks for that, especially about the zooming of the flash head. It is going to have to be off the ceiling, but I'll give it a whirl.