ProudParentX3

[gail]

I no this one is out of focus and has a blur. But it's the only good one I really got of them all together, Christmas Day.
Any Sugestions on maybe fixing this Photo?


http://members.aol.com/gail4ev/kids.jpg

[KO_300D]

Hi Gail,

To be honest, I suspect your camera's not being used to it's full potential. To get a really nice family shot you can be proud of, I'd suggest taking a little more time on arranging things, just to make sure you get the best results.

Maybe arrange a day where your family can all come over, get them in front of a plain background if you're looking to edit, or maybe with a view of the garden in the background. Take test shots beforehand to make sure that the focus and lighting are good.

I've read a number of your posts and I can see you're really keen, which is the most important thing - what good would a photographer be if s/he were'nt interested in what they were doing?

Sorry to be philosophical, but it's better to take a little longer and get it right rather than rush things and get them wrong.

It's a nice shot, but trying to adjust the focus after it's taken is a lot harder than focusing the lens on the subjects - I find that editing apps only make the picture more noisy.

[gail]

Hi and thanks for your comments-advice I appreciate it very much. That's why I post here for your comments and help to help me take better photos.
That's something I've always loved to do. And yes I do need to take more time. But I have a very inpatient family LOL.

Their like ok Mom, any day now will be find. LOL
I tell them well just wait a darn minute. But I will take your advice, and try and get them all together again.
Thanks much for your help. Hugs Gail,

[martcol]

Gail, you could try cloning out some of the distracting background elements (is that a chicken on his shoulder?) In fact cloning isn't necesary you could do it by bluring the bacground. You can do that easily enough in Photoshop. Make a copy of the layer blur select the family inverse and blur. Or blur the layer and add a layer mask or blur the layer and erase so the sharp layer shows through. like a levels adustment might help and could take a little sharpening. Having said all that, it's what I would be happy with as a family album shot - in some ways the memory is better than the photo...

martin