Newbie Here: ADVICE Wanted

[KrissiIZme]

In the first one I didn't get what I was expecting but I liked it. Any C&C. I am brand new to this so I don't know how to do PP.

1.http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q118/HotReefKeeper/IMG_0077.jpg

2.http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q118/HotReefKeeper/IMG_0253.jpg

[KrissiIZme]

so now that I look at them like this i don't like em! ugh

[hawkeye60]

A levels adjustment in Photoshop. (you cut off the top of her head in this shot BTW.)

I'm sure there will be more comments but, if you are trying to do portraits basic suggestions:
Get the flash off the camera, and find a way to soften the light. Bounce the flash off a wall, ceiling, white card, shoot through a white sheet, etc.
Move her farther from the background and use a smaller aperature to reduce the DOF and blur it some.

[xoiceox]

the first one is just too blue and the second is a cute shot, but doesn't show off anything.

[NYCAndy]

Here's your second one with about 2 minutes of post processing. I sharpened it a bit, brightened it up with some curves and levels, slight skin smoothing, and cleared up the noise. I know that sounds like a lot :)

I would suggest reading up on some basic composition concepts (like the rule of thirds). As suggested, if you're going to be doing a lot of portraits - a dedicated flash will prove invaluable. You can find a used 430EX for around $200 now and that would suit you nicely. It will make a world of difference.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3641/3293577866_c8538861b9_o.jpg

[kevindar]

the second one is much better actually to my eyes.
Your whit balance is off on the first. its also too much of deer in the headlight look, party due to direct flash. as the first commentator suggested, you need to not use direct flash. turn it to a wall or ceiling, or put a modifier on it. that will avoid the flat light look, and the harsh shadows. keep shooting.

[4Bucks]

Welcome from one new guy to a newer guy. Read my link for all noobs in my sig. It helped me a lot. If you don't have a PP program you might try Picasa 3 (free online). It is a real good intro program and very user friendly. I have moved up from there but it is what got me started... and wanting to do more. Also let us know what equipment you have. It helps with suggestions for you.

[relsah]

cute kid.

here's my take on #1

[4Bucks]

Using only Picasa 3 to edit.... just to let you see what it can do.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_PIUAAxOPWdg/SZ7YYIk-dCI/AAAAAAAABE0/1yVxyvgdy-4/s576/IMG_0077.jpg

[Ali-Azri]

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/4631/img00772he9.jpg

my shot

[Kellz625]

^ Great edit!

[4mykids]

Heres a b/w conversion.

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i111/croppinfrenzy/IMG_0077.jpg

[Tom Reichner]

These edits I'm seeing are killing me, with the exception of relsah's. I do think that either of them may be more successful as a b&w, but not with the high amount of contrast I see in Tracey's edit. NYC Andy's edit is way to soft on the skin and way too sharp on the eyes. Let's leave at lest some tone & texture to the skin.

[fotogrl_08]

NYCAndy,
Was the sharpening that you did cause this picture to become so much clearer in your edit? "Most" of my uploads have that OOF look in the forum, even though they are sharp printed out of the camera. Just wondering what I might be able to do to improve the post quality on my photos. Any advice would be great :) And if you have the time, what would you do to improve my post "Natural Light" in the kids and family section? Thanks

[KrissiIZme]

thank you all so much! I appreciate your help. I totally forgot about this thread. i was too busy reading through all the forums (maybe not all posts but close) trying to learn something and get better at this great new hobby. I have no flashes or lighting kits, so I have been doing a lot of out door shots . I plan on buying a lighting kit and I have gotten some backdrops given to me. So excited! For now though i am still learning my controls on the camera.

My gear: Rebel xsi with 17-55mmf/4 lens, cheapo tripod, and gear bag...long gear list right? I want to get a better zoom for critters like bugs/chipmunks/snakes and such soon. I will be getting a macro as my next lens, macro shots are what got me into photography.

Thank you all for the help! I'll be posting more question in the other forums.