Railroad family portraits

Designer · Nov 28, 2012

PlanetStarbucks said:
lol...do you guys really let those little signs that say "union pacific private property" stop you? I've been on those lines countless times when a train rolls up. I usually wave to the conductor and he waves right back. They really don't care.

Those signs don't mean anything to most people, but the RR lawyers sure do like 'em.

The RR workers don't mind until they have to mop up your grease.

And in case anyone wonders; yes, I have been on tracks many times.

GlowingAmber · Nov 28, 2012

ok, here's one. turns out i didnt get a good one with the vanishing point hidden, so do you agree the family in the middle is the best? i know the faces are dark, i need an external flash. what do you think?

GlowingAmber · Nov 28, 2012

Two more, different family...

GlowingAmber · Nov 28, 2012

More, different family...

unpopular · Nov 28, 2012

Not too bad, amber. I think you'd be wise to invest in a decent flash, but you're definitely on the right track!

Designer · Nov 28, 2012

Hey, I like them all! Yes, family in center is good. Yes, the tracks lead the eye, but family is still the center of attention. Yes, you need a flash. Composition(s) are all good.

Keep up the good work!

And get a flash.

GlowingAmber · Nov 28, 2012

i'm so happy, thank you both!! yes, shopping for a flash right now, gonna order today... i have a canon xsi.. should i stick with a canon 430EX, or can i get a cheaper non-canon that's decent? 250 is pushing it!!

GlowingAmber · Nov 28, 2012

on that family with the cabin shot, i tried hard to get the cabin blurrier...but lowering the fstop wasnt working for it. my best guess is i was too far from the subject?

Buckster · Nov 28, 2012

GlowingAmber said:
i'm so happy, thank you both!! yes, shopping for a flash right now, gonna order today... i have a canon xsi.. should i stick with a canon 430EX, or can i get a cheaper non-canon that's decent? 250 is pushing it!!

I have 2 Canon 580EXII and two Yongnuo YN-565EX flashes, and use them all. The Yongnuo flashes and triggers work great, and will save you a lot of money, especially if you don't need ETTL.

GlowingAmber · Nov 28, 2012

Buckster said:
GlowingAmber said:

i'm so happy, thank you both!! yes, shopping for a flash right now, gonna order today... i have a canon xsi.. should i stick with a canon 430EX, or can i get a cheaper non-canon that's decent? 250 is pushing it!!

Click to expand...

I have 2 Canon 580EXII and two Yongnuo YN-565EX flashes, and use them all. The Yongnuo flashes and triggers work great, and will save you a lot of money, especially if you don't need ETTL.

ooh...those are $100 cheaper...will check them out! thank you!

PlanetStarbucks · Nov 28, 2012

GlowingAmber said:
ok, here's one. turns out i didnt get a good one with the vanishing point hidden, so do you agree the family in the middle is the best? i know the faces are dark, i need an external flash. what do you think?

View attachment 26908

Yeh, you know, it just feels forced. Like it's more about the environment then about the family. Maybe if they were interacting with the place a little. Like maybe the little girls are putting pennies on the tracks.

kathyt · Nov 28, 2012

GlowingAmber said:
i'm so happy, thank you both!! yes, shopping for a flash right now, gonna order today... i have a canon xsi.. should i stick with a canon 430EX, or can i get a cheaper non-canon that's decent? 250 is pushing it!!

If you can't afford a flash right now you can always get a reflector. That is what I use all the time. I have flashes, but I prefer my reflectors to flash any day.

GlowingAmber · Nov 28, 2012

thank you kathy! i have reflectors on their way, i should get them anyday! now i have to learn how to use them as well!

2WheelPhoto · Nov 28, 2012

My assistant (and GF) likes "the tracks"!

I'd call her borderline hobo, but better not.

GlowingAmber · Nov 28, 2012

Buckster said:
GlowingAmber said:

i'm so happy, thank you both!! yes, shopping for a flash right now, gonna order today... i have a canon xsi.. should i stick with a canon 430EX, or can i get a cheaper non-canon that's decent? 250 is pushing it!!

Click to expand...

I have 2 Canon 580EXII and two Yongnuo YN-565EX flashes, and use them all. The Yongnuo flashes and triggers work great, and will save you a lot of money, especially if you don't need ETTL.

Buckster...on that YongNuo, will i miss not having the high speed sync? i only shoot outdoors at the moment, and i like raising the ss for kid action shots, but could i do ok without the flash for those action shots?