A few portraits

I put a few pictures together for a photobook for the grandparents. These were a few of my favorites. The B&Ws were set up using natural light from window. They were also converted from color. The third was a lucky (I think) shot at the airport.

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Originally Posted by 2kids2shoot

I put a few pictures together for a photobook for the grandparents. These were a few of my favorites. The B&Ws were set up using natural light from window. They were also converted from color. The third was a lucky (I think) shot at the airport.

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Hello,

Your first picture will certainly hold a lot of value for the grandparents. The little girl expresson is cute and the lighting is interesting. However, the angle make her look smaller than she probably is and her eyes are too dark and soft. Some selective dodging and sharpening of the eyes would help.

The second picture is plain terrific. Kudos for the wonderful pose, the lighting, the tones, everything.

The third is decent but the background is too busy. I would like it to be even more out of focus. Beside, there seems a person arm to the left of the model and something else over her right shoulder. It's not terrible but certainly not ideal.

regards

Seb

The second one is just wonderful.

I agree, the second shot is a gem. Excellent by any standard, and half of the credit goes to the great subject she is. what character.
The other two are ok for Grandmas book.

Thank you all for your feedback. I always have trouble with being objective when they're pictures of kids I love. I tend not to notice some of the flaws - I didn't even notice any of what you pointed out, Seb. It's nice to have this forum for objective opinions!

#2 is my favorite and the most "professional-looking," meaning that's te one I would show people if I was trying to get hired. #1 has a nice expression, but you'd need some fill flash next time or maybe lighten the eyes in a photo editor. #3 is a little too close. I think it would be better with a telephoto from a little further away. Great expression, though.

I'm sure Gandma and Pa will be delighted with all 3 but photographically the second is head and shoulders ahead.
Tom

I'm working on getting better with a flash - I always seem to get annoying shadows, so that's why I used only window light.

In the first shot, my "model" kept turning away from the window instead of towards it. Unfortunately, that cast shadows by the eyes. I agree those are too dark. I think the only thing that saved that was that I had a white sheet on the other side reflecting in so there is at least a suggestion of a catch light in her eyes. The girl in #3 was giving me poses ("how 'bout this, Mommy") so she came up with that by herself. Sometimes you get lucky!

I was only able to talk them into one photo session each (and only of 20 minutes) and none together so I got what I got. It really gives me respect for you pros who can get good shots with flighty 5 year olds!