Ok let me know if these are better.......

[Kimberly81]

I tried some new stuff today. I shot in raw format and tried not to cut off too man fingers and toes unless it was needed for a nice face shot. I was also playing with some black and white tones. Let me know what you think

1

2

3

4

5

6

 

[icassell]

With the exception of the last one where I think you've blown some highlights on her forehead, I think this is a wonderful collection. I like #1 and #3 the best.

 

[Kimberly81]

With the exception of the last one where I think you've blown some highlights on her forehead, I think this is a wonderful collection. I like #1 and #3 the best.

yeah the last one is completely blown on the right side Is there a way to avoid this when shooting on a more sunny day? I wanted her out of the shade for a few shots but I can't seem to get this situation right. Thanks for your comments

 

[icassell]

Shooting in harsh sunlight is difficult, at best. I'm not much of a people-photographer, so I hope others pipe in here. My guess would be that the best way to do this would be to expose for the highlights (decrease your exposure here) and use fill lighting on the right side of her face so it isn't lost in shadow.

 

[Kimberly81]

Shooting in harsh sunlight is difficult, at best. I'm not much of a people-photographer, so I hope others pipe in here. My guess would be that the best way to do this would be to expose for the highlights (decrease your exposure here) and use fill lighting on the right side of her face so it isn't lost in shadow.

Thanks for the tips, what is fill lighting? Is that like the use of a reflector?

 

[icassell]

Thanks for the tips, what is fill lighting? Is that like the use of a reflector?

Actually, I was going to suggest a reflector ... but you beat me to the punch. Fill lighting could be done with an off-camera flash pointed at the right side of her face (with the power cranked back a bit), but I think the reflector might work better -- I hope someone else pops in here who knows more ....

You should read some of http://www.strobist.blogspot.com --- it is the best lighting reference I've found on the web.

http://strobist.blogspot.com/2007/09/lighting-102-31-balance-flashsun.html

 

[kellylindseyphotography]

4 is exceptional. Nicely exposed, she looks her age, and its a great pose. I think most of these are nice... the backgrounds are a bit distracting..

 

[AdrianBetti]

I personally enjoy portraits of children not looking right into the lens of the camera. Try to pose a candid.

 

[mmcduffie1]

3, 4 and 6 are awesome - nice shots

 

[maytay20]

You can also buy a pop up diffuser. They work wonders in bright daylight. I think #6 would be perfect if you had a diffuser to her left then a reflector to her right and maybe some fill flash to brighten up her face. It amazes me how many awesome photos you get of her. I have a 7 and 3 yr old and I get nothing close to this. They either cry or just have very tight jawed smiles.

 

[Kimberly81]

You can also buy a pop up diffuser. They work wonders in bright daylight. I think #6 would be perfect if you had a diffuser to her left then a reflector to her right and maybe some fill flash to brighten up her face. It amazes me how many awesome photos you get of her. I have a 7 and 3 yr old and I get nothing close to this. They either cry or just have very tight jawed smiles.

sounds great where can I find a pop up diffuser and reflector for a great price?

Thanks for the great advice!

 

[Aye-non Oh-non Imus]

You have some very nice photos here. What the other have said about fill and reflected light goes a long way to get a better than usual photo. Time of day is also a consideration when shooting outdoors.

One thing that hasn't been mention and I want to bring up delicately, is the discoloration on her hands. #4 & #5 in particular. I'm assuming that these are childhood abrasions and will fade / go away with time. A few of mine did. I would consider to take some time to at least reduce the injury with post processing. I believe in being true to the scene, but let's face it, she will not want to see that in twenty years...... ermmm, in ten years...... okay, in five years when she is having boyfriends over. Takes you only a few minutes and saves her years. Just an observation.

 

[Kimberly81]

You have some very nice photos here. What the other have said about fill and reflected light goes a long way to get a better than usual photo. Time of day is also a consideration when shooting outdoors.

One thing that hasn't been mention and I want to bring up delicately, is the discoloration on her hands. #4 & #5 in particular. I'm assuming that these are childhood abrasions and will fade / go away with time. A few of mine did. I would consider to take some time to at least reduce the injury with post processing. I believe in being true to the scene, but let's face it, she will not want to see that in twenty years...... ermmm, in ten years...... okay, in five years when she is having boyfriends over. Takes you only a few minutes and saves her years. Just an observation.

That is funny you point that out. I didn't realize until we started shooting that those were there. She had stamped her hands with pink flower stamps during one of her spur of the moment arts and crafts ventures lol. I didn't notice or I would have had her wash her hands. How did I miss this?!?! UGH lol

 

[kellylindseyphotography]

I'm assuming that these are childhood abrasions and will fade / go away with time. .

I think they are flower stamps.. just paint.

 

[maytay20]

I would recommend B&H I don't trust eBay and I have had to return one to B&H because of defects and had no problem doing it. Here is the next one I plan on purchasing. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/253064-REG/Impact_CRK_4272_5_in_1_Collapsible_Reflector_.html