First Shot at Maternity Pics- Opinions Please!

[heth6207]

Hello Everyone! :)

I posted this on another section before finding this one and decided I should post it here instead, since this seems to be the appropriate place. I am new to this forum and new to photography as well.

I've always taken snapshots, etc. and had a fairly nice camera digital camera, but never a SLR. But, recently ours was stolen from our car, and when I replaced it, I replaced it with a Canon Rebel XT 350D. My first SLR. I use the standard EF 18-55mm Lens that came with it, and I also have an EF 75-300mm 4.0-5.6 III that I use.

As a gift to my cousin who wasn't going to be able to afford Maternity Pictures, I offered to do hers to try my hand at it, because I would really love to learn more and begin doing it professionally at some point. So, attached below are some of the best ones. I used some ideas I found on a thread here, and I hope you all don't mind!

These have had very little color correction (I'm still trying to compeltely figure that out). What is your opinion as someone starting out? Changes?


Thanks!
Heather



http://h1.ripway.com/hethry6207/KarissaMaternity33Weeks06Edit7.jpg

http://h1.ripway.com/hethry6207/KarissaMaternity33Weeks204Edit.jpg


http://h1.ripway.com/hethry6207/KarissaMaternity33Weeks096Edit.jpg

http://h1.ripway.com/hethry6207/KarissaMaternity33Weeks149Edit1.jpg

[collierportraits]

They're not bad. A few quick things. Wait until later in the day, when it's a softer light (and maybe not so hot!). Second, be careful of the clothes that are chosen. In my opinion, shorts don't photograph well on most all people. Bright clothes with busy patterns also distract. Great first effort! ;)

[SuzyView]

I hate to say it, but this late in a pregnancy, she doesn't have that many choices! But yes, the old worn shorts are distracting. I don't know about you, but the stretch marks are pretty scary. I have a ton, don't get me wrong, I've got 4 kids, but if you process them with the heal tool, that may be more flattering as well as smoothing out the tan lines. It's a bit OoF as well, but sharpening in PS should do it.

Welcome to the forum. Everyone starts with family pictures and we enjoy that. Cute family.

[heth6207]

thanks for the opinions!

Yeah, I wasn't crazy about the shorts either, but shes due in a few weeks, and wears scrubs to work so shes limited on pants that fit right now. So, i worked with what she wore and tried to d the best with it. The other problem was the shirt wrinkled in the heat, really bad.

I agree with the shadows/light and it needing to be done earlier/later to help with that.

What is the tool for tan lines? Never heard of it. Like I said, I am rrrreaaaaly new to the editing side of photos. I know the stretch mark opinions vary. I can see both sides. She has the outook that thats what it took to get the baby here, and shes proud of those marks. I do see your point though. :)

Thanks again guys! Keep em coming!

[SuzyView]

We have strategies we all use that are individual to what we like doing with the photos. I first see your image and think it needs a little USM (unsharp mask) in the enhance toolbox. If it needs sharpening, I do some also. I adjust the colors in RAW first so when I start editing, the WB (white balance) is already set. Then I use the heal tool, read your manual or search, it should be on the left hand side editing toolbox. Make the circle medium size and smooth over the tan lines. If you are really interested in doing it right, then buy whichever Scott Kelby book is on the software you are using. He's great. I use his books all the time.

[40piggies]

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[Sharlene]

I agree with everyone above. Not too bad for a first attempt. my only extra advice would be to remember what angles are flattering and non-flattering. In pic #1 shooting from a lower angle will make someone look larger, instead opt for a higher angle, which makes the eyes open up more and the bottom will look less heavy. As a general rule of thumb is to catch the first half of the thrid trimester, around 29-33 weeks, after that women tend to be a lot more swollen and carry a lot of extra water weight. IMO

[ForumForker]

I like the first and the second pics. She isn't a fashion model so her clothes reflect her everyday lifestyle. No need to make her into something she's not. The mood was obviously informal. She is a beautiful lady. The last two are just not appealing to me because of the detail in the stretch marks. If that's what she wanted, she should have been pleased. Just my thoughts.

[michillebaker]

Ok, first off I to have both an xt with kits lens and have found it to work pretty nice atleast for the basics. What was your setting for these pics? Just wandering.

1. The first picture I dont care for the angle, it gave me the sense of feel that she was leaning backwards. It also looks to be slightly out of focus.

2. Looks to have a blue color cast to it but it may be my work moniter. Also I think it would be great if you were to crop of the tree.

3. This one is my fav. Great Job.

4. This is another good one I like the idea you had.

Overall I see that you are off to a great start just keep practing and also keep posting and you will learn really quickly I know i did :).