First photo sessions, C&C please

[DigiMom]

Hello! I'm new to the forum and have always loved photography. Here are images of 2 shoots that I recently did. Please post C&C's as I'm sooo new I would appreciate any comments, good and bad (go easy please). Also, any PP tips would be great too. Thanks in advance!

#1 http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r107/2marzipan2/a6100a_1.jpg

#2 http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r107/2marzipan2/a6106a.jpg

#3 http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r107/2marzipan2/a6182alightvignette.jpg

#4 Taken inside by window http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r107/2marzipan2/a6055a.jpg

#5http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r107/2marzipan2/aIMG5368simple.jpg

#6http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r107/2marzipan2/aIMG_5343simple.jpg

[DigiMom]

22 views? Nobody has an opinion?? Surely someone does... good and/or bad, I'm ready.. your opinions matter to me. :)

[hawkeye60]

#1, does not do it for me. I like # 2 and #6 best although #2 looks OOF, a shame too with those big eyes. #3 and #4 I like. #5 the shadows on her face ruin it for me.

[sally_tomato]

they are all wonderful shots, thanks for sharing.

but, to be more helpful--with caveat that this is all "IMHO"--

#1, 2, 3 need more contrast.

#3 white balance looks off, but perhaps this was intentional? in which case, maybe push it even further??

#4 is great use of window light. i do think though the white balance if off here also. personally I would try this image black&white.

#5 is great. perhaps crop a little off the left side??

#6 is great--cant go wrong with babies like that!

happy holidays -- alex.

[Svetlana]

I think you did great! Agree witht he commetns above + be careful with cutting off hands and feet as in #2 and 3...Keep up great work!

[HoosierJoe]

Try doing #1 again. Don't care for the tall trees in the background. They compete with the subjects. Get a tighter shot of the 4 of them so they are bigger in the frame and are the dominant subject. But I really like the concept of #1.

Similarly I like the concept of #3 but you can't see the eyes clearly. lighting is too dark on the eyes.

When shooting portraits pay particular attention the the eyes and what is going on with them. That is where I always begin my focusing then take it from there.

Good start, though. We are all still working on it. Nice job.

[Mike McCusker]

I think lnumber two is best especially with a few adjustments. Hope you don't mind.

[bobbyz]

Use flash for the outdoor shots. And shoot at smaller aperture with mutiple subjects.

[CanadaJen]

Mike that edit is great! what in the world did you do to it? I need to learn your ways ;)

[rodddy]

nice work, especially the first and last one.

[DigiMom]

These are great! Thanks much. I'm learning everyday, everytime I pick up that camera. I'm having fun and loving it. Thanks for your input everyone.

[Mike McCusker]

Mike that edit is great! what in the world did you do to it? I need to learn your ways ;)


Thanks Canadajen,

Very slight levels adjustment, slight curves and sharpened. PS3 is amazing.

[rainchen1126]

there are all wonderful. i like #2.

[pennypue]

I like #1, but keep in mind, I know nothing other than what I like....
The way they are separated from the background is kind of neat. These kids have personality! I'd like to see some crop off the right side and then punch up the color on the kids and then desaturate the background. Make 'em jump off the page not just the ground. (Sorry, I suck at using all these tools...I just know what I'd like to try if I could do it. Working on learning though!)

[DigiMom]

I like #1, but keep in mind, I know nothing other than what I like....
The way they are separated from the background is kind of neat. These kids have personality! I'd like to see some crop off the right side and then punch up the color on the kids and then desaturate the background. Make 'em jump off the page not just the ground. (Sorry, I suck at using all these tools...I just know what I'd like to try if I could do it. Working on learning though!)

I have PhotoshopCS4 and know very basic things on it. If anyone knows how to desaturate the background and make the subjects pop, as suggested, please let me know how to do it.

Thanks again for the input. Always learning!