(Just Cutsey?) Images from a portfolio shoot.

[Fenster]

Are these cute, or just bland? I've thoroughly enjoyed working with children in photography, but I'm wondering if I'm just churning out one unremarkable (albeit cute) portrait after another. My most recent shoot was for a child's modeling portfolio - the shots here aren't necessarily the ones used for the portfolio, but instead the cutsey images for me to show off to the public. I'm barely even processing them! #2 was converted to black and white and #3 has a Lightroom filter applied. The rest just had minor cloning, straightening and white balance adjustments:

http://www.newworldphotos.net/blog/archives/1206/

http://www.newworldphotos.net/main/content/1206/img/makayla1.jpg
http://www.newworldphotos.net/main/content/1206/img/makayla2.jpg
http://www.newworldphotos.net/main/content/1206/img/makayla3.jpg
http://www.newworldphotos.net/main/content/1206/img/makayla4.jpg
http://www.newworldphotos.net/main/content/1206/img/makayla5.jpg
http://www.newworldphotos.net/main/content/1206/img/makayla6.jpg
http://www.newworldphotos.net/main/content/1206/img/makayla7.jpg
http://www.newworldphotos.net/main/content/1206/img/makayla8.jpg

[Lightworks Imaging]

#2,3,5,6 are good. My problem is that ( I do this occasionally), I'm suspect of B&W conversions when I see other photographs from the same session. If the other shots have questionable exposure, I've used B&W conversion to hide the flaws. In any case, those shots look pretty good. #1 looks possibly a bit soft, and #8 looks a touch flat, not terrible, but not up to the others. The shots I mentioned in the beginning are good. Thanks for sharing.

[moeronn]

This looks like a very solid set to me. The first 4 appear to be the strongest, IMHO. I love #2 with 1 and 3 being close behind.

[brennasg]

I think 2&3 really stand out against the rest. You are always gonna have some just cute images when shooting children, but on 2&3 you captured something else:) Those are the ones you need to strive for.

[Grimlock]

I like them all, but I'm a sucker for #3. That shot is great!

It's almost symbolic to me.
Young and at the bottom step. Right where we all start out in life.


I tend to read into photographs a little too far at times.
So sorry if I sound like a crazy person.

[azpix]

1 and 2 are great.

[CliffordPhotography]

The 2nd one is the best for me. Just stunning.

[GCRollo]

I liked #3 the best.
The backlighting seemed a little too strong on some, and a few were taken too far in PP. But almost all of their Comps were very good.

And people pay good money, for "Cutsey"... so don't be so down on its use.

[Mattr!x]

I think they are all great.... # 3 however is a little too mature a pose for someone that young.... it is however technically a great photo. You've captured some great smiles. Well done.

[Fenster]

I liked #3 the best.
The backlighting seemed a little too strong on some, and a few were taken too far in PP. But almost all of their Comps were very good.

And people pay good money, for "Cutsey"... so don't be so down on its use.

Here is the ironic part: Beyond RAW white balance adjustments and some minor cosmetic fixes, the images haven't been significantly altered.

I can understand your concern about the backlighting, but I intentionally chose that style because it was what her parents requested. Glamorous modeling shots, but in natural daylight.

For the rest of you, I've had a lot of talk, here and there, about #3 and I'm still undecided about whether I actually like the image. It perfectly fits the technical criteria of what the parents wanted - a modeling portfolio and head/body shots for agencies, but I think she looks awkward in that pose. So...

[B.Miller]

#2 is money!