• Photos

  • Level

  • Score

BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: New Answers

Photography Question 

Kristi Seanor 		 

critique photo, please


 
 
I could not figure out how to get my image on the constructive critique (discussions) section so I am trying to enter it here to get some feedback. I know my image is somewhere on the site but cannot seem to find it. I entered the title I gave it into the search and still couldn't find it. Can anyone help with that as well as give me some critique on this photo?? Thank you in advance.


To love this question, log in above
April 26, 2005

 

Samuel Smith 		  kristi,
window lit,don't see it,your walls are black?looks like a studio shot.lights,fill flash?window light is a lot softer!


To love this comment, log in above
April 26, 2005

 

Chris J. Browne 		  Kristi,

Looks like the fill light did it's job. . .it filled in. . .evenly at that. Great for snap shots, maybe not so great for the expressive look, thus why you are here!

Step one to improving your pictures: You noticed the problem.

Step two. . .change your lighting setup.

Your setup is great for snap shots. I agree with Samuel S.: window light will be softer; and, it will create a natural shading on the face. A very slight fill flash might be necessary. The Elan 7 should be able to adjust the fill to background exposure in the custom areas; really nice feature found on the Elan II; so, the Elan 7 should also.

Don't forget the background; a little light splashing creates definition between the subject and background (otherwise they look like they are floating in space). A hair light is nice also; additionally, an eye catch light is the final touch on people pictures.

Much can be done with very little equipment.

Hope this helps. Not sure about uploading photos though. . . Sorry you couldn't find help on constructive critique. . .I only answer in the new posts that have very few replies. . .I "kind-of-like" to be the first to get in on a discussion.

Sincerely,

Chris Browne


To love this comment, log in above
April 26, 2005

 

Kristi Seanor 		  Chris,

thanks so much for your response. Could you be a little more specific about "much can be done with little equipment". After I took this shot, I purchased 1 white lightning 800 strobe. That broke me for the time being so I must wait until I have more money to purchase more lights. Is there something I could do without purchasing MORE lights to improve this shot?? My 550ex was used but I didn't change any settings on it because I don't really know what to change it to. She was facing the window.


To love this comment, log in above
April 27, 2005

 

Samuel Smith 		  kristi,
don't buy any more equipment,window light is a great shot. no extra lights.even though you'll need a slower shutter speed,it will turn out much better,unless you're looking for a studio shot.
which way the window faces would make a difference on what time of day to take the photo.no black background,it absorbs the light.if you need more light use white poster board as a reflector under the camera to use instead of fill flash.cute little girl,avoid the contrast,and no extra lights.a little softer will give you a great picture.
sam


To love this comment, log in above
April 27, 2005

 

Kerry L. Walker 		 
 
 
The attached photo (I hope it uploads the first try) is an example of what Chris meant by much can be done with little equipment. I shot this photo with my daughter sitting at a kitchen table with the light from a window to the left. The mistake I made was using a higher contrast film (should have used Kodak Portra NC) so I lost some detail in her dark hair. All I used was an Olympus OM-2n, a tripod and a piece of foam board for a reflector off to her right. No artifical light at all was used. House lights were off. Shot mid-afternoon.


To love this comment, log in above
April 28, 2005

 

Kerry L. Walker 		 
 
 
Naturally, I didn't get it right the first time. I'll try again.


To love this comment, log in above
April 28, 2005

 

Kerry L. Walker 		 
 
 
OK


To love this comment, log in above
April 28, 2005

 

Kerry L. Walker 		  I always get it wrong. It went to my gallery - entitled Girl at Table.


To love this comment, log in above
April 28, 2005

 
This old forum is now archived. Use improved Forum here

Report this Thread