Maternity Session

[obnoxiousmom]

Did this for a friend since Im still learning and would like CC please
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http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2521/4132363428_2f7e11f568_o.jpg
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http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2640/4132363408_2707f83dd3_o.jpg
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http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2574/4132363440_21b02f4a0e_o.jpg
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http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2643/4131600045_d268ac26d1_o.jpg
5.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2720/4131600069_75c3f224e8_o.jpg
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http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2702/4132363288_0e909362b6_o.jpg
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http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2515/4131600029_eaa000e034_o.jpg
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http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2611/4131600017_b9159c5851_o.jpg

[obnoxiousmom]

*bump*

[Robert_Lay]

Very tasteful, and technically well done.
While this is not a subject matter that I find interesting, it is nonetheless an important one which has unlimited possibilities.

I would find it even more intriguing if we could see some examples of different perspectives, especially one which creates a better illusion of 3-dimensionality.

[Radtech1]

Recommendations:

Lighting. This is very flat, harsh, and unflattering.

Hair. Messy, needs to be combed.

Monochromes. They bring out the blotches of the skin.

Butterflies. Misses for me. When the prop clearly looks like toys stuck on her abdomen, then it's time to skip it. Besides, butterfly don't really "say" baby, do they?

Blocks. OK, a little cuter of an idea. Lighting and skin presentation sabotage an otherwise OK shot.

Pink Rose, Mono Everything Else. This technique is has become a cliché.

Jeans and a BLUE shirt. Too casual for such a spartan background.

Make up. Would be of benefit.

"C M Strickland Photography" - your post indicates you are "still learning". Please learn some more before billing yourself as a photographer. It is dishonest to your clients, and it does a disservice to hardworking professional photographers.

Yeah, I know, everyone has to start somewhere. The proper place is to start at the beginning. Get hired by a real photographer as an assistant or apprentice and then actually bother to learn the craft. Perhaps even go to school - a degree in fine arts could help. Having a nice set Craftsman tools doesn't make you a mechanic.

[obnoxiousmom]

Robert, how would you create a better illusion of 3-dimensionality.

Radtech, Is my name not C. M Strickland? And would this not be my photography? I would say that makes it C. M. Strickland Photography regardless of the quality of work you see before you. There for it is not a disservice to hardworking professional photographers because people will either choose to like my style of photography or choose not to. If they choose not to then they can go to some one more befitting of their taste.

To get so nit picky as how my client chooses to comb or not comb their hair is a little extreme and not a critique on my work.

Butterflies say innocent and baby to me and its why I chose them.

When you say the lighting is flat, what do I do to correct it?

I learn through books and practice. Practice makes improvement. Improvement comes from putting yourself out their for corrective criticism. Not a barrage of critical comments without the explanation of corrections.

[Radtech1]

Robert, how would you create a better illusion of 3-dimensionality.


When you say the lighting is flat, what do I do to correct it?


Here is a brief primer on lighting techniques and the results. In a nutshell, you need 2 light sources (minimum) to create a sense of 3-dimensionality, and the results you get will be dependent on light placement.

http://www.professionalphotography101.com/portrait_lighting/lighting_names.html

[obnoxiousmom]

Basically requires more light source than a bounced flash. Thanks for the tutorials

[TheJbot]

I agree with everything Rad says. He gave you recommendations on how to improve the photos, the hair being one of them. What's the problem? How can people post in here without the thickest of skin? I don't think he was even the least bit rude.

[obnoxiousmom]

He critiqued without correction, then critiqued my clients hair when that is who she is and not my issue. Apparently her husband doesn't mind, he married her and got her pregnant and it had nothing to do with my photography skill.

And I think "Is my name not C. M Strickland? And would this not be my photography? I would say that makes it C. M. Strickland Photography regardless of the quality of work you see before you. There for it is not a disservice to hardworking professional photographers because people will either choose to like my style of photography or choose not to. If they choose not to then they can go to some one more befitting of their taste." sum up the rest of it.

Critique is corrective, not personal attack because some one doesnt like my attempts or the fact that I showcase my work under my name.

[Dunedan]

If your client puts her hand/arm/etc. in the wrong place - that's up to you to see and correct in the pose. You can suggest that changes to the hair are made, etc.

You are behind the camera - you see the composition. It's up to you to fix it. The clients know nothing about it, so they just do what you ask of them.

I don't see any personal attacks in this thread BTW.

[obnoxiousmom]

Next time Ill be sure to tell my friend "Hey, your hair sucks, do something with it before you stand in front of my camera" ;)

[TheJbot]

He critiqued without correction, then critiqued my clients hair when that is who she is and not my issue. Apparently her husband doesn't mind, he married her and got her pregnant and it had nothing to do with my photography skill.

And I think "Is my name not C. M Strickland? And would this not be my photography? I would say that makes it C. M. Strickland Photography regardless of the quality of work you see before you. There for it is not a disservice to hardworking professional photographers because people will either choose to like my style of photography or choose not to. If they choose not to then they can go to some one more befitting of their taste." sum up the rest of it.

Critique is corrective, not personal attack because some one doesnt like my attempts or the fact that I showcase my work under my name.

This attitude is going to hinder your ability to improve. He came in here and spent a bit of time looking over the photos and typed up a quality critique. He did so to help you and you threw it back in his face. I don't see anything like a personal attack here from him. What did you post these here for? You want to hear ''great job!, she's lovely''?

[TheJbot]

Also, fwiw, you have some great photos on your website.

[obnoxiousmom]

No, I want critique with how to improve. Not just, this is bad, how dare you call yourself a photographer.

Ive posted many times in here in the past and gotten corrective criticism that allowed me to improve and understand what I did wrong. The post came across as you suck and you should not call yourself a photographer, all of these photos are horrible because....

Sorry if I seem defensive but when you give criticism, I feel you should give tips on improvement, not just insult without corrective steps. When I specifically asked, he gave the tip and I said thank you because now I understand.

And thanks for letting me know that not all my photos suck :)

[Flo]

I went over these a few tines.then thought about what it was to me that didn't feel comfortable.

I agree about the instruction of showing and leading your client through steps to make this the most flattering and lovely of sessions. This is a great time( or not if you are sick:() and you want them to look fabulous.

I love the idea of a simple white or ivory sheet with these photos, instead of a vivid color. I understand it is harder to get the light correct.but the innocence shows up for me more so than insects? The butterflies kinda creeped me out.lol.but I see what you were trying.

With the correct lighting , you won't have to worry about the skin showing blotchy.

I do agree about the hair, even tossing it up ontop of her head, and then doing the silhouette would bring her face to the betterment?

Another thing about us who have been there with the bellie and the weight gain;) No sideways shots of our chin..lol....;)

Better than I have done!

[obnoxiousmom]

^I really want to learn Silhouette photography. It looks like that requires some sort of back lighting? Lighting is my enemy. I much prefer outdoor photography lol I always gets freaked out by doing shoots in my home with backdrops and lights but Ill never learn if I dont try

[Flo]

^I really want to learn Silhouette photography. It looks like that requires some sort of back lighting? Lighting is my enemy. I much prefer outdoor photography lol I always gets freaked out by doing shoots in my home with backdrops and lights but Ill never learn if I dont try

You and me both! I did a small fun shoot this past weekend, and the thought of a flash off board made me weep:p

There are some great tutorials here as well as so many talented folks who have this down pat....so a search, or go to the forums and the talk threads...I am sure you ( and I ) will find something to sink our teeth in!

[obnoxiousmom]

Yes, I still do all my work with my flash on board and bounced because Im completely freaked out by taking it off

[Flo]

Yes, I still do all my work with my flash on board and bounced because Im completely freaked out by taking it off

Then we have some learning to do..lol :shock:

[obnoxiousmom]

Do you have the equipment to get yours off board? If so what do you use?

[Flo]

Do you have the equipment to get yours off board? If so what do you use?

I have been shooting strictly outside.so no off boards needed. I have the 430X, but need more than that to really get anything happening, if I so choose to go that route.
So many lights.so little knowledge..I used the meger lighting on Siunday...overheads and lamps and bounce boards.lol.really.:o embarrassing

[Robert_Lay]

^I really want to learn Silhouette photography. It looks like that requires some sort of back lighting? Lighting is my enemy. I much prefer outdoor photography lol I always gets freaked out by doing shoots in my home with backdrops and lights but Ill never learn if I dont try

Allow me to point you in the direction of one of the best silhouette images that I have ever seen, and it's in a thread by mikekelley:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2679/4130023958_088eb7fb81.jpg

There are 6 major elements in his shot - a foreground with 3 trees in silhouette, an expanse of water behind that, a distant mountainous shore, a flock of birds, and the moon.

Notice how each of these major elements seems to be on a separate layer from the others. The effect enhances the 3-dimensionality of the scene. You don't hear much about 3-dimensionality, but it is a critical requirement for making something look alive and real.

The silhouette portion by itself would be too simple, but once you add just a simple water, sky and horizon, you bring reality into the scene. The icing on the cake, or the 'honey buns", are when you add in the birds and the moon - each of which can be thought of as another layer. Each thing that can be visualized as a separate layer is enhancing 3-dimensionality.

Granted, this has little to do with indoor flash photography, but it should help in figuring out how a silhouette might help in creating the illusion of 3-dimensionality.

[obnoxiousmom]

That is a stunning photo. I understand the concept of 3-d in photo now but not exactly sure how to put it into studio style portraits without more lighting, or even props?

[LeighM]

Check out www.strobist.com for all things 'off camera flash'. I litterally learnt everything I know about lighting from there and the associated flickr group: http://www.flickr.com/groups/strobist/

Start with Lighting 101 and you'll be fine.

[obnoxiousmom]

Thank you :)

[Robert_Lay]

That is a stunning photo. I understand the concept of 3-d in photo now but not exactly sure how to put it into studio style portraits without more lighting, or even props?
I wish I had a simple answer to that. It's a matter of converting the principles that are readily found in landscapes and trying to use similar principles that would apply to studio work.

If I can think of anything to add, I'll get back to you.

[scorpio_e]

She has a very uncomfortable look in the first image and the pose looks awkward to me.

[obnoxiousmom]

Yeah, she HATES getting her photos taken and it took a lot to get her to loosen up. I cant say much. I take photos the same way