2 from this weekend

[MJS]

Did my daughter's recital shots this weekend. Originals in color, these picked for the hall gallery by my wife. Nikon D70 with Tokina 28/70 /2.8. 1/250, f13. Alien B1600's with a pocket strobe on a stick into a small umbrella for a hair and shoulder light.

[Lara]

Bumping you up towards the top Michael, since you requested your photos be moved from viewfinder to critique.

I love the second one!
It could be the transer to web, but the first looks a little off on her pretty face. Maybe you were blocking out something in the background? Or is it just me?

[MJS]

Thanks for the input Lara. Here is a copy of the reworked original color.

[Lara]

Ahhh, very nice. Her facial features are much clearer and you brought out the softness and flow of her hair. The process blew out her jacket a bit, but all in all a VERY pleasing portrait.

[MJS]

Thanks for the reply. Sometimes I'm convinced that I am the great thread killer. If you want one to die, have me reply.

[Lara]

Hmm, I don't know Michael. I don't get that feeling. I hope that you do get more replies and suggestions than mine!

[uvasid]

mike-
the first picture(jacket) has very well balanced lighting. I imagine this was tricky as it seems the jacket gives off a nice sheen of its own. good capture.
on the second, the right hand side of the picture looks slightly darker, i'm not sure if you wanted that much shadow on her face and in the lower right side, but I find it a tad distracting.
Good capture though, I am more of a natural light and outdoor guy, but i do know that good flash technique is very difficult to master and i think you did a very good job on both shots.

[MJS]

Thanks for both the comments. That jacket was a pain, it's a highly reflective pink vinyl with sequims, I was working with white umbrellas and was trying to keep down the blowouts .