My first time trying manual! Maternity

[thegaa]

Hi!

I finally got brave and shot an acquaintance in full manual. It was a test for me as I have just began and feel waaay overwhelmed with f-stops, shutter speed, aperture and the relationship between them all. So I just went and DID it.

Anyway, here is my finale. I had too much light (poor time of day- 11am).

Interested in feedback on lighting and composition (minus the elbow issue :oops:).

Thanks,

Sam

[auroraskye]

Hi Sam! Do you know how to post your EXIF? It would help us better critique your manual attempt. For a first time in manual, looks like you did well. Don't worry, it'll come to you like second nature in no time, and you will wonder how you lived without it.

[Perry Ge]

A bit of PP on that first shot and it'll really pop.

[thegaa]

Hi Sam! Do you know how to post your EXIF? It would help us better critique your manual attempt. For a first time in manual, looks like you did well. Don't worry, it'll come to you like second nature in no time, and you will wonder how you lived without it.

No, I don't know how how to post the EXIF? Can you give me a link or a bit of instruction?

I'm embarrassed to say I shot at a high ISO (800, I believe) because I was at a loss with the sunshine (shooting in shade). I will post it though nonetheless!

Thank you so much.

[thegaa]

A bit of PP on that first shot and it'll really pop.

I would love some direction so I can try!
:D

[auroraskye]

What kind of post processing software are you using? If it is photoshop, go to File>File Info >Camera Data 1 and you'll see it.

I played with it but it's a pixelated due to the JPG compression, so try this with a copy of your original.

Okay here's what I did, in Photoshop:

1. Shadow/Highlight
Shadow
Amount: 40%
Tonal Width: 57%
Radius: 30 px

Highlight
Amount: 94%
Tonal Width: 28%
Radius: 30 px

2. Levels layer, used the white dropper to select some white from the surf in the wave, it was a subtle difference.

Saved a copy, ran it through noiseware (community edition) pasted that version onto a layer in PS, turned it into a lumonosity layer at 60%..

I ran a USM of 85%, 1px, 4 lvls twice for subtle yet effective sharpening. You will notice some pretty bad pixeling around the outlines of their bodies, eyes and mouths now.. but if you do it on the original it should be ok.

So.. it is definitely not what I'd consider finished but it's a stepping off point for ideas on PPing.. Hope it helps.. :)

http://www.auroraskye.com/photos/POTNedit11.jpg

[thegaa]

What kind of post processing software are you using? If it is photoshop, go to File>File Info >Camera Data 1 and you'll see it.

I played with it but it's a pixelated due to the JPG compression, so try this with a copy of your original.

Okay here's what I did, in Photoshop:

1. Shadow/Highlight
Shadow
Amount: 40%
Tonal Width: 57%
Radius: 30 px

Highlight
Amount: 94%
Tonal Width: 28%
Radius: 30 px

2. Levels layer, used the white dropper to select some white from the surf in the wave, it was a subtle difference.

Saved a copy, ran it through noiseware (community edition) pasted that version onto a layer in PS, turned it into a lumonosity layer at 60%..

I ran a USM of 85%, 1px, 4 lvls twice for subtle yet effective sharpening. You will notice some pretty bad pixeling around the outlines of their bodies, eyes and mouths now.. but if you do it on the original it should be ok.

So.. it is definitely not what I'd consider finished but it's a stepping off point for ideas on PPing.. Hope it helps.. :)

http://www.auroraskye.com/photos/POTNedit11.jpg


oooooh, thanks! I'll play with this. Thanks for the EXIF tips...

Sincerely.

[StealthLude]

While shooting in manual, you might want to explore using fill flash... #1 background is totally blown out. Using some fill might actually help you expose the subject with the background and prevent blowing stuff out.

nice shots.

[sando]

Hope you don't mind...

I thought they were a little over exposed, so rather than try to correct it, you could have used it to your advantage.

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i228/sando3/ptnhopwood1.jpg

Or, B&W:

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i228/sando3/ptnhopwood2.jpg

Also, I see you've taken the pic in the shade. This has caused the background to be blown-out. Either explore fill-flash, to balance the shade and sunlight, or just simply move them back 4 feet to get them in the sunlight. :)

And while you're at it, duck down a little bit so the horizon doesnt cut through their heads, either have it segment their body or use it as a leading line to her belly (as it's a maternity shot).

[thegaa]

Hope you don't mind...

I thought they were a little over exposed, so rather than try to correct it, you could have used it to your advantage.

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i228/sando3/ptnhopwood1.jpg

Or, B&W:

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i228/sando3/ptnhopwood2.jpg

Also, I see you've taken the pic in the shade. This has caused the background to be blown-out. Either explore fill-flash, to balance the shade and sunlight, or just simply move them back 4 feet to get them in the sunlight. :)

And while you're at it, duck down a little bit so the horizon doesnt cut through their heads, either have it segment their body or use it as a leading line to her belly (as it's a maternity shot).

Thanks Matt. I did use my 580 for the first time that day. I faced the flash toward their faces. I was so worried about shooting in the sun... Thanks for the horizon tip. I need to know these things!!!

Here is the EXIF info for the ones who asked:
(BTW, any tips on how to save the EXIF info and paste it?)
Thanks in advance.

XTI
1/80
Manual
f/22
f/22
iso 800 :o
focal 85mm
flash FIRED
meter mode PARTIAL

[sando]

Thanks Matt. I did use my 580 for the first time that day. I faced the flash toward their faces. I was so worried about shooting in the sun... Thanks for the horizon tip. I need to know these things!!!

Here is the EXIF info for the ones who asked:
(BTW, any tips on how to save the EXIF info and paste it?)
Thanks in advance.

XTI
1/80
Manual
f/22
f/22
iso 800 :o
focal 85mm
flash FIRED
meter mode PARTIAL

Looking at your EXIF then I'd say I can see what's happened.... :(

I'd go for Av mode, and use a wider aperture, and ISO100-200. Don't worry too much about having to use manual, as it doesn't make you a better photographer.