PDA

View Full Version : Family Portrait Help with Settings

littlevoice
3rd of November 2008 (Mon), 11:08
I took some family portrait shots last evening, and the sun started setting fast! I used my flash +1/3, ISO 400, 50mm, f4/5 1/60. Can anyone help with what settings work best for outdoor shots when the sun is almost down? Please view these two shots and let me know what you think. Your opinions are greatly appreciated. (this was not a paid session, just practice)
http://i411.photobucket.com/albums/pp198/heathiebug/petelance.jpg

http://i411.photobucket.com/albums/pp198/heathiebug/lanceemily.jpg
zelseman
6th of November 2008 (Thu), 16:44
images arent showing up, so we cant help
littlevoice
6th of November 2008 (Thu), 19:16
sorry, i accidentally deleted those images: Here are 2 images i took, I'm just concerned they are too dark, & cold looking...any suggestions? or am i being unreasonable about wanting them to be brighter when it was nearly dark?http://s411.photobucket.com/albums/pp198/heathiebug/?action=view&current=Familysoftcopy.jpg
http://i411.photobucket.com/albums/pp198/heathiebug/kidsVignettecopy.jpg
littlevoice
6th of November 2008 (Thu), 19:17
sorry, here is second image:
http://i411.photobucket.com/albums/pp198/heathiebug/Familysoftcopy.jpg
bobbyz
7th of November 2008 (Fri), 10:21
Heather, what do you think is wrong with these pictures?

I like 2nd one better than the first one. Wish that big rock thing wasn't in the background.

When shooting groups, I would definitely use smaller apertures, more like f8, f11. That way everyone will be in focus. It is also good if there is nice balance between ambient light and flash. Use camera in manual mode, flash can be in manual or eTTL. Having a light meter is handy which can tell youa bout flash/ambient exposures.
ChaosMichael
7th of November 2008 (Fri), 10:45
I really like the composition with both of these, but my first thought (especially with the first), was "why is she taking portraits in a cave?".
tft1974
7th of November 2008 (Fri), 10:50
Nice comp, try bracketting (should be in your camera manual), increase ISO, or a bigger appurature. What I do is try some test shots, playing with ISO, fstops until I geat an ideal exposure.
littlevoice
7th of November 2008 (Fri), 12:11
that's it! it's the background.. i totally agree. it's distracting and not attractive. I will definitely heed the larger aperture number next time too.
Thank you for your critiques, you were able to put your finger on what was bothering me. Not so much the lighting, but the background. thanks!