HEY Steve

[natatbeach]

what do you think of this...be gentle...

I thought the "crappy blown out lighting"

worked in this particular case... trying something knew...but not sure it was successful...give me some feedback.

Anyone else's comments are greatly appreciated....

P.S. glad you finally found your newspaper...(tiny violins playing the background) ;)

[Asylum Steve]

nat,

I didn't forget about you! I'm finally feeling a bit better, so thought I'd take a stroll online again...

Doing what you're trying to do, and that is break the rules of traditional lighting and exposure, is a delicate thing and usually takes very careful planning of the shot (or of course, a happy accident).

That means close attention to everything: subject, clothing, colors, direction of light, exposure, and composition.

Unfortunately, in the case of your pics, I really don't think it works all that well. And exactly why it doesn't may be a bit tough to pinpoint. To simply say they're overexposed is not enough...

Let me start by breaking down some of the images I showed you in Chicago and why those DID work. Not to sound pretentious, but they were all shots of thin (you might even say sleek) models with clothes carefully chosen for their lines and colors, with equally stylish hair and makeup.

The lighting in those shots was more directly from behind, with only a slight blowout and flare on the models. Plus they were all looking directly at the camera with an expression and attitude that connected with the veiwer. All of this combined to create a heavy style to the shot, one that had delicate details on the subject's face and clothes that more than compensated for the fact the fact that the pic was technically overexposed.

Now I'm not saying that you can't make some simple changes here and make the shot stronger while keeping the same feeling. I think you can. Less of an overexposure, perhaps less of a severe shooting angle, and finally clothing that better shows the subject's figure all IMO would help.

The truth is, an attractive pregnant woman in window light will always be a great subject for a photo, but perhaps in this case it would look better simply with the normal, "proper" exposure...

-Steve

[natatbeach]

well said...

me and my "crappy shots" will leave you alone...
;)

just kidding...I hear and get what your saying.
I figured it was worth a shot(no pun intended) HA! I crack myself up....

Thnaks for your tact and honesty ;)

P.S. glad you are feeling better

[adina]

If you hang some sheer white fabric over that window you'd probably have a bit better luck.

I know, I know, I'm not Steve. I'll retreat back to my corner now.

[racingpinarello]

Hi Natalie,

I do agree with Steve that maternity photos look much better with soft/cozy light, to get the "ahhhh.."

With high key you want the light source to be behind the subject more than your test photo. Most of the time you don't have any front lighting, but a white reflector would help fill in the subject a little.

Loren

[Asylum Steve]

I've been meaning to thank you and Karen for the fun weekend in Chicago. I'm sorry about the mixup that last day. For some reason my cell phone kept cr@pping out on the street, especially among the buildings. I didn't get your messages unitil later in the afternoon.

Anyway, now I've got to start planning my trip to Cali... ;)

[racingpinarello]

Hey Steve,

Likewise, and also on Friday too. On Sunday, we got in the car and pretty much went to a lot of different areas, so time was limited anyways.

If you can make it out to Cali, that would be great.

Loren