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Photography Question 

Dennis Martineau 		 

Group Portrait Results


 
 
Would anyone be kind enough to offer constructive criticism on a group photo that I took? This is the first large group photo I've taken. This was a family reunion of a friend. Sunlight at approx. 45 degree angle to group front. Also, this was taken on a tiny piece of property. This was the best background.

I had the negative scanned to digital file and burned out the yellow parking lot lines (not very observant of me---though I noticed the lines, I chose not to move the group forward because of the elderly folk in the group.) Also, a building was 4 feet behind camera position.

All criticism, suggestions, observations are welcom. But don't be too hard on me because I'm punishing myself already for too much asphalt.

Thanks in advance for your help!!!!


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July 07, 2004

 

Lori Lyman 		  Only input I can give is the placement of the people. Not much you can do with large groups though. On the right there's a lady in a red shirt kneeling in front of the lady in the wheelchair. She could move a little to not block the elderly woman. Also, there's two separate groups of people sitting/kneeling in the front. They could come together more. The people on the left side of the photo could also move in a bit.

I'm new at this too, and I know sometimes you don't notice these small things until you get the pic's back.

Other than that, looks ok to me. Not much you could do about the background, as you said.

Good luck!

Lori


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July 08, 2004

 

Dennis Martineau 		  Lori, thanks for your comments, I appreciate them.

Dennis


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July 08, 2004

 

Rhonda L. Tolar 		  Don't be so hard on yourself. The asphalt can be cropped out! And large groups are never easy to do. Someone is always hiding behind someone else.

I find it hard to get everyone to cooperate and stay where I put them. And the best advice I can give you, is to take your time. I have found myself in a hurry to finish so that everyone can go on their merry way. Well....if you want a good picture, you need to arrange, back up, look, arrange again, back up, look....so on and so forth, until you get what you want to see in the photo.
And and you can't be shy about touching people and moving them around. Then you have to keep reminding them to scrunch in tighter!
THEN, when you get everyone where you want them, you have to tell them that you are going to take several shots, not to move until told to do so. I have had groups try to leave after the first flash! And then you are still going to get someone with closed eyes, or someone with their mouth opened!

You did good, now go back to that computer and crop that asphalt!


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July 08, 2004

 

Dennis Martineau 		  Thanks for your comments, Rhonda. I appreciate it. I've filed your comments away in my memory. I did have a problem with impatient people and found myself all nervous about the shoot. I was so concerned with depth of field that I failed to pay close attention to composition as much as I should have. You input helps. Thank you.

Dennis


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July 08, 2004

 
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