Portraits, or snapshots? C&C please!

[MawcDrums]

My Mom asked me to take some pictures of her and my daughter Lily yesterday so she could have one to put on her desk. I immediately said let's go outside (all I have is an XSi and a kit lens) so I figured the sun could help us..

It was hard to get the exposure right with the sun being so bright..

C&C VERY WELCOME.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3435/3374722555_2eb07f6f2e_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3548/3375533900_85feb81305_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3453/3375534048_68974a79f8_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3588/3375533996_f425c0f94c_o.jpg


I politely asked her to move to a spot where there was less shade and for her to face the sun a bit more, but they were getting impatient with me

[tonydee]

Got potential, but as you obviously know, hasn't quite worked out. Could improve it a bit in post-processing, but you're better off showing them the evidence and telling them to be more cooperative if they want a super portrait next time.... Cheers, Tony

[NicD]

try moving them into the shade, having shadows/part sunlight on a persons face can be very distracting.

shadows over the face unless completing covering are no good, so move under complete cover, not only will the sun be less of a factor, it will give nice even light.

[chrisu002]

OT crew


i was going to post here but then i realized i allready did on OT

[neumanns]

Better than average snapshot...not portriat yet. Keep working, Practicing, and Improving.

You have already Identified you two biggest issues, Sun/shade & correct exposure...

With time it will come easier and results will improve. Knowing what to do diffrent is a large part of the battle.

[joedlh]

I figured the sun could help us..


Bad figuring. Harsh mid-day sun is just a little better than pitch black with respect to quality face shots. Just as bad is dappled mid-day sun. Shade is better, but, make sure there's no sun peeking through the leaves. Next time start out in the shade or take the shots in the morning or late afternoon.

[lookingforaname]

With trial and error, you should be able to find a good natural light portrait spot in or around your house. Try it out with an adult first so you don't have the squirmy toddler problem.

Window light can be great - also, sometimes light from a doorway open to the outdoors. Outside, look for shade - a porch, trees (but watch shadows!), or just a cloudy day . . .

[griptape]

Or use flash outside.