Newbie still learning - please critique

[sroberts]

ANY advice is welcome. I'm always experimenting and rarely satisfied...opinions welcome. Using Canon 20D with included lens, plus 50mm prime, and 70-200L.
I hope this post works, first time posting on new site...Scott

[R_Fredrick_Smith]

To my eye, the color balance is off on all the photos. #4 is to dark with clipped shadows. You need a fill to put light into the face and eyes. The first 3 need to have levels adjusted to get a bit of pop into them. #1 has the most potential but the lighting is off (contrast to hard between light and dark).

Here is an example of light dark light lighting that has a softer feel to the differences in light and dark:



Cheers,
rfs

[rickabt]

Light is everything! The reason # 1 has the most potential is because you are on the right track with using the light to depict your subject in a flattering or different way. The best way to "adjust levels" is to shoot in better light! Early in the am or late in the afternoon...light is softer, warmer, more directional...etc. I am speaking of shooting in available light of course. You may have heard this all before...so forgive me if you have. Its a real simple way of stacking the deck in your favor without jumping into cumbersome and expensive studio equipment right away. And also a great way to learn what the light you have to work with can really do for you.

[sroberts]

Thanks a bunch guys...
#1 - this was shot about 2pm afternoon right after a wedding. I guess I didn't take enough time to pay attention to the lighting. Perhaps some fill flash may have helped? or having an assistant hold a foamcore on the left for fill?

#2 - This was my first use of my new alienbees. 2 - 800's and 1-400. Maybe the red background (cloth from walmart) was a bad choice, or more photoshop needed. Maybe overexposed?

#3 - outside in shade with fill flash. I guess some photoshop needed. I work on it.

#4 - late in evening with sunset behind model, and I guess I was too far away with the long lens for fill flash to do any good. Maybe should have used the same lens and #2.

I'll work on trying for more softer look like yours RFS. I've been reading a lot and studying, but went it's photo time I seem to get disorganized and forget what I planned on doing. Maybe need to slow down and get more control..

thanks, scott

[Wrlss911Pro]

Originally Posted by sroberts

Thanks a bunch guys...
Maybe need to slow down and get more control..

This is an interesting observation. I was having this very discussion with another photographer the other day. I get this way myself, and I have learned to a) stop for a second and take a deep breath. and b) If that does not work I go full manual on the camera and really concentrate on step.

Good luck!

[racket4life]

1. Your studio shot with the wal-mart background....my advice is do not worry about the color of the background and where you bought it. I would work a little on how you lay it out prior to the shoot. If you you pull it slightly towards you and tape it down, you will thus eliminate the line or seam behind the model. As well, you could bring her out slightly from the seam if there is one (but I understand space may be a factor if your studio is not large). And, maybe bring the lighting down on her just a little--blonde hair and fair complection against a dark read is a tough combo/contrast.

2. I do a lot of weddings and I think you mentioned you shot your outdoor subject after a wedding. I was probably like you when I started out--a good idea of composition, lighting, and a strong subject--but could not 'nail' it at the start. I suggest you go out and work with friends in tough lighting, great lighting, etc. Get it to where the camera, flash, fill, etc., become second nature and the only thing you are worried about is that the bride or groom does not show up.

3. A suggestion for you as well is that if you come across a photo like the ones that you shot outdoors and there is some darkness to them or graininess, try loading the image in Photoshop and desaturate the color out of it completely--thus creating a good black and white. Sometimes when you do that, you can almost create a look that says you meant to do it and you captured a hell of a shot.

All in all, you are on the right track and like the previous post said, breathe and relax when you get on location. It took me a year to breathe naturally at a wedding.

Cheers....