CC Group

Guess I forgot to post yesterday lol! Not that I really have anything to share that hasn't already been shared. Just quick snaps and iPhone shots ;)

#1 - When I just glanced at it, I didn't really like it. When I took a good look at it, that quickly changed. I love the way the light is, and how crisp your focus is.

#2 - I know you mentioned in your other thread about his hair blending into the background. I'm just not sure what to tell you. I'm sure it's the lighting though. Maybe you could try putting him on the floor, so the light could hit the top of his head a little better. Or, you could possibly get a white foam board, or one of those science project tri-fold boards in white and use it as a cheapo reflector, and place it up off the ground pointing down on his head more. You'd probably have to try a few different set-ups with it to see what might work best. But that's all I've got, since my kiddos are blonde.

#3 - She looks so happy in this one! It's a little centered with her eyes. She might look a little too pink, but I can't say for sure since I'm not calibrated.

#4 - I like this one better than the first try. You may still want to bring down the yellows a bit, but I like the richness of this, instead of the hazy-ness of the first one. The comp is also better, since the horizon isn't cutting through it.

Tracy
1. I find the blown lights in this are hurting my eyes are quite distracting. I like the almost translucent quality to some of t he leaves but otherwise, I'm not overly fond of this one.

2. Did you bounce the flash? Where to/from? Micah has an onbvious line across his hairline. At first I thought it might have just been his hair cut but because it zigzags up then back down towards his right eye I thought it must actually be from the flash. Your clarity is fantastic as always. I'd like you the tiniest bit higher and maybe the chair slightly side on and to one side rather than directly front on and centred.

3. Nice light in her eyes. As a snap it is nice. As a photograph I'd maybe be careful about the hair in her mouth and the wide open mouth.

4. I really like the new one. I thought the first attemot was ok but I really like the new one. Great autumn colours, great light, great clarity

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Originally Posted by shadow_grey

2. Did you bounce the flash? Where to/from? Micah has an onbvious line across his hairline. At first I thought it might have just been his hair cut but because it zigzags up then back down towards his right eye I thought it must actually be from the flash.

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No flash on this shot. Natural window light was used, and he was at about a 30-40 degree angle from the window. I know what you're talking about though, as I do often have a problem with Micah's hairline in shots. It often has this lighter/darker quality to it, and I can't figure it out. I sometimes use a soft light layer that creates a bit of a problem with his hair, but that isn't the case here. And the reason the soft light layer creates a problem is because his hair is lighter around the edges and darker on top naturally, even though that's not as obvious IRL, for some reason! It seems very odd!

I haven't had time to edit / watermark what I wanted to share. Struggling with light and focus still. Feeling like I suck at this

50mm ISO400 spot metered, F3.2 SS1/800
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8055/8...c79eb77d32.jpg


50mm ISO400 spot metered, F3.2 SS1/500
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8464/8...8783eaf282.jpg

Great job with your spot metering! Exposure looks good on her face :) Now, you're saying that you're struggling with light. What time of day are you typically shooting? That's going to have a major impact on your photos, unless you are in some open shade. Even then, you can run into dappled lighting. I LOVE filtered backlighting. It's my favorite type to shoot. But, you have to make sure you have the right spot to do so.

Find some open shade. Wait until the sun gets down to the top of the trees. That will keep the sun from giving you the "hazy" look (as long as your standing in shadow, and not letting the light peek through the trees). Use your spot metering and snap some photos. If you want to get some directional light, angle your subject slightly toward the trees. That will give you a bit of shadow on one side of the face, while the light from the open part directly across the trees will light up the rest of the face.

I hope that makes sense...

The biggest problem with these is the background. It's just too bright. So try out what I described, and I think you'll be happier with the results :)

Those are sweet shots! I can't really add anything to Steph's CC, as she's got it bang-on, it's mostly the dappled light and the bright background that's the issue.

P.S. DH and I are going to Vegas from Tues. - Fri. this week, so I won't take up my turn this week, or be around to CC for a few days, come Tues. a.m.

Yay!!!! Have so much fun!!! Can't wait to see the photos when you get back.

Thanks ladies. I'm always shooting at the "wrong" time of day (i.e. late morning to early afternoon) as I can never seem to get out at the right times. Often I am driving around and see the golden evening light and think I wish I was out taking photos right now. I figure if that is the only time I can get out I am going to have to learn to make it work for me

Quote:

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Originally Posted by shadow_grey

Thanks ladies. I'm always shooting at the "wrong" time of day (i.e. late morning to early afternoon) as I can never seem to get out at the right times. Often I am driving around and see the golden evening light and think I wish I was out taking photos right now. I figure if that is the only time I can get out I am going to have to learn to make it work for me

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I totally identify with this. It frustrates me to read over and over about the golden hour, when usually that doesn't work for us. Except in early or late summer, when we can get out after supper for a while, and before the kids' bedtimes. I have worked on trying to make any time of day work... knowing that the results won't be as great as shooting during the golden hour, but looking for the right kind of light and/or shade to minimize the problems of, say, a contrasty bright day or whatever. I think it's helpful to learn to take decent photos within the parameters that work for you, even if you know that another time of day would be better.