Portrait Work

[minatophase3]

Recently several people have asked me to take pictures of their children so I need to figure out what I am doing. Luckily I have 2 daughters that love to have their picture taken. :D Will you please critique these pictures and help give me suggestions on how they could be improved? General guidance on portrait work would also be appreciated.

Picture #1
http://www.thenationfamily.com/images/girls/may04/bridge.jpg

Picture #2
http://www.thenationfamily.com/images/girls/july04/Mackenzie571004.jpg

Picture #3
http://www.thenationfamily.com/images/girls/july04/kaitlyn_dt.jpg

Thanks for the help.

Tim

[Persian-Rice]

I like the first one the most, In my opinion, I think the picture would maybe look a little better if she wasnt looking at the camera out of the corner of her eye, try having her look straight ahead. Definatly a nice shot.

Second one doesnt really appeal to me.

The third one is good, doesnt look like its much fun though. Maybe if you can have her laughing naturally by doing something funny, really would brighten the mood. IMO children portray innosence and happiness, this picture is more mysterious and sad. I think the only time kids should not look like they are laughing or smiling or whatever in their picture, is where they sort of drift off into a world of their own. Like when a little boy plays with his little hotwheels cars. These pictures usually make the most natural and memorable shots. I understand the artisitc value and idea behind this picture, but IMHO, when doing work for other peoples children, try to leave out unhappy shots.

Hey I could be wrong though.

Cheers.

[Persian-Rice]

I like the first one the most, In my opinion, I think the picture would maybe look a little better if she wasnt looking at the camera out of the corner of her eye, try having her look straight ahead. Definatly a nice shot.

Second one doesnt really appeal to me.

The third one is good, doesnt look like its much fun though. Maybe if you can have her laughing naturally by doing something funny, really would brighten the mood. IMO children portray innosence and happiness, this picture is more mysterious and sad. I think the only time kids should not look like they are laughing or smiling or whatever in their picture, is where they sort of drift off into a world of their own. Like when a little boy plays with his little hotwheels cars. These pictures usually make the most natural and memorable shots. I understand the artisitc value and idea behind this picture, but IMHO, when doing work for other peoples children, try to leave out frowning shots.

Hey I could be wrong though.

Cheers.

[minatophase3]

I like the first one the most, In my opinion, I think the picture would maybe look a little better if she wasnt looking at the camera out of the corner of her eye, try having her look straight ahead. Definatly a nice shot.

Second one doesnt really appeal to me.

The third one is good, doesnt look like its much fun though. Maybe if you can have her laughing naturally by doing something funny, really would brighten the mood. IMO children portray innosence and happiness, this picture is more mysterious and sad. I think the only time kids should not look like they are laughing or smiling or whatever in their picture, is where they sort of drift off into a world of their own. Like when a little boy plays with his little hotwheels cars. These pictures usually make the most natural and memorable shots. I understand the artisitc value and idea behind this picture, but IMHO, when doing work for other peoples children, try to leave out unhappy shots.

Hey I could be wrong though.

Cheers.

Thanks for the input, exactly what I am looking for. :D

[Claire]

I like the first one best. The second one seems to have too harsh light on her. Third one she looks sulky. I agree with Persian, kids are all about laughing, smiling and being innocent.

I love taking pics of kis because they are so natural in front of the camera. Just let them do their own thing and you're most likely going to see heaps of great shots played out before you. Observe them. Let them be in their own world and forget about you.