2 steps forward, 3 steps back... (added 2 smiling one)

I just feel like this photo shoot and I didn't do well together. What's wrong with these edits? The one of just the lady, I just can't seem to figure out what's off. CC on everything please. Is it b/c she's that tiny and pregnant with twins!?! :lol:Had to use noiseware, let me know if you need settings. Usually it's at about 1/160, 3.2, and a high ISO b/c of the lighting- like 1,000. 1. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7220/7...dc7058243a.jpgDSC_0922_filtered_4x6_web by sadieruth, on Flickr2. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7214/7...390dfb6d21.jpgDSC_1065_filtered_4x6_web by sadieruth, on Flickr3. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7085/7...6760f570a8.jpgDSC_0994_web_filtered by sadieruth, on Flickr4. http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8007/7...887f7716d6.jpgDSC_0936_filtered_web by sadieruth, on Flickr

Here are some smiling ones:
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5034/7...8e1fab1440.jpg
DSC_1020_web by sadieruth, on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8166/7...5be262c62f.jpg
DSC_0957_filtered_web by sadieruth, on Flickr

sadie, ILOVE the 1,2,3,4 pic! That is adorable! I think with the others it may be that she does NOT look pregnant till you see her stomach. Maybe thats whats throwing you off? Could you possibly soften the backround somehow in #1? Sorry I am not very much help with editing(Yet) but I love #2 which makes me think maybe it is because that backround is kinda harder in the other shots and softer in # 2?

I really like them Sadie. Was she wearing a fair bit of foundation / makeup though? I ask because her arms are really pale and her face looks a little yellow / orange to me. I could be wrong though. And even if that is the case, that is out of your control

Sadie, I'm certainly no expert (at all!) but I think this is a nice set! And how far along is she?! Can't believe she's having twins! She looks great!

#1 - Pose is kind of stiff. Color-wise, I think it is cool. Not sure I like her holding the vine. I've never shot any maternity, but maybe it would have looked better with both hands under her belly?

#3 Love little man's pose/expression! He's a cutie. Again, I am not calibrated, but he looks just a touch bright and maybe like you could add just a little more saturation and/or contrast. I think it looks pretty good though and he is so GQ and cute!!! Great eye contact and posing for that age!

#4 I prefer this over #1 - pose looks more natural and color looks warmer, but mom still is a bit cool,imo.

#2 Cute idea! I think the sun had probably set a little bit too much and light looks flat in this one. Maybe could be brightened or bring exposure up (that is what I would try if I was editing since I really am not sure).


Good job, Sadie!!

They're all so serious! :D I think the technical quality of these looks good, just wish they were a little more relaxed/happy looking.

#1 I don't like the vines too much. And she's not looking, and looks a little uncomfortable.

(I wish I had her skin though lol I don't understand how people go through life NOT having even slightly tanner forearms than upper arms--do they wear tank tops every day 365 days a year? LOL :) )

#2 cute idea, but again they look so not thrilled.

#3 it is cute but the pose is SO mature I think it'd be a lot cuter with a different pose.

#4 I like it, but just looks like she's touching her belly with only her fingertips or something?

I think you got some good CC already.. The only thing I really have to add is that I'd like to see some smiles with a maternity shoot. It's sorta missing that happy-to-be-expecting-a-baby emotion.

I think you're being really hard on yourself - I like them! Love the 1/2/3/4 one!

The only thing I'd say is that the mom (and the kids, for that matter) doesn't look overly happy in them. But that's not your fault!

You did excellent, I love that even though her belly is small you still showed it off well.

#1 and #3 seem a tad bit blue to me, comparing to other pictures on here since I am on my laptop and not calibrated.

I love the idea with the numbers on the bellies, I could picture doing something similar with blocks.

You are being WAY hard on yourself. There is a lot of good work here!

You've gotten a lot of good feedback already, but here is my $0.02 worth ...

1. I don't mind that she's not smiling, but I think there needs to be more separation between her and the background. I think that is why the vines in her hand are distracting ... b/c the ones behind her are not sufficiently blurred. She's getting lost a bit in all of that texture.

2. SUPER CUTE IDEA! Even with the serious faces of the boys. Wish mom wasn't holding the paint brushes though. Makes her left hand look a bit awkward.

3. Serious face or not, this is a true WINNER! Dude has ATTITUDE and it's GREAT! I'm sure mom will love it!

4. This is much better separation between mom and the background. I like it a lot. I wish she had her thumbs on her belly instead of sticking out, but still a really nice shot. You might want to add just a touch of fill on her face to bring out her eyes some more.

Don't be so hard on yourself, Sadie. You have grown so much as a photographer - very inspiring, imho!

TFS,
GiGi

I agree, she doesn't look happy in these. I think she wanted them to be more belly shots, but I didn't like JUST her belly in all of them. I have a happy one. I will share in a few. The boys were difficult to work with. As for the brushes...she wanted them in her hands... I thought it was odd, but she was ok with it. The boys are very serious boys. I had to work for the few smiles I received. The little one was easier, which totally surprised me!