Thread: ugh i give up

I cannot get a decent pic of Evan for our xmas card, sometimes I don't know why I bother

sorry just a bad morning and I needed to vent. I feel like I'm never going to improve

So sorry you're feeling frustrated. We've all been there and some of us..(ahem) still visit there often. Maybe we can help....what is the biggest problem you're facing with shoots of Evan.

My guess would be that he won't sit still for you. This is usually my problem with Nathan.

If that's it....you need reinforcements...DH to help, or even a little bribary can go a long way. Also, sometimes offering to show them the picture after you take it works really well.

Other things that have worked great for me are tickling or even pushing Nathan and catching the smiles and laughter that comes afterwards.

It's SO hard....because they move so fast and it's really difficult to get good focus.

DP

With dd, i have to show her the shot EVERY time

thanks ladies, its just a combination of a bunch of things that all together equal poor results. biggest yes is the speed/cooperation of Evan. I tried bribery with choc/toys. Other biggest thing is space, Amber you saw my cute snap of the xmas lights, pretty much if he moves just a small bit the background is messed up and I don't have the space to get him far enough away to get the bokeh lights. That pic was not really in focus and the strings from the lights bug me. Also indoor lighting is complete crap (speedlight ordered though )

I have a feeling I'm going to get better results with my attempted christmas tree shoot but we'll see

thanks again ladies, just getting frustrated that my brain is just not meant to grasp some of these concepts

why not try to do something a little more candid, and caught in the action!

All of my shots of Evan are just that (haha well actually most are the back of his head)
Just trying some christmassy theme for a card and with no snow yet outdoors looks to gross and dead, I was mostly just playing with him and bokeh christmas lights as the background. If I had a bigger set up it might work. I tried today with him playing with toys in front of it but all I have it the top of his head, he was so focus and head down with the magnet blocks he discovered haha

I really understand what you're going through. I won't even attempt studio style with Nathan. I get stressed enough trying to shoot him outdoors with lots of space. Trying to keep him confined to a small area seems impossible.

The speedlight certainly will help...your camera will just become instantly more flexible.

To improve your luck with the bokeh, move as close as you can to Evan...not sure what lens you're using...but try to get the crop exactly what you want in camera to give the most shallow acceptable depth of field possible. The problem of this is of course...as you experienced, if he just moves his head a little forward or back you lose focus with him. You just have to be fast fast fast and shoot lots lots lots.

Silly things like asking if there is an elephant on my head or in my lens is good for a long still look and a smile after he says "Nooooooooo!"

or try and get someone to come in behind you and tickle you - kids really like that too!

I know your pain and frustration. My daughter won't sit still for anything but candid shots. I wish she'd pose, but I get noth'n!

I hope you get something you're proud of.