Couple of close ups...

[43 North]

I am so new at this but here are a couple of my girls, don't mind the expressions could have been better but just working on technique. Please give me CC on these!!!

http://www.offroadidaho.com/pictures/test.jpg

http://www.offroadidaho.com/pictures/test2.jpg

http://www.offroadidaho.com/pictures/test3.jpg

http://www.offroadidaho.com/pictures/test4.jpg

[obnoxiousmom]

The first thing that pops into my head is be careful of where your focus falls in all of them.

In the first one it fells on her sleeve at her wrist so the rest of her is out of focus
In the second shot it fell on the snowman at the back of her shirt
In the third it fell on the front of her shirt where the design is
In the fourth Im not sure where it fell but the picture is pretty out of focus.

I love the pose in 1 and 4

Colors in the first two feel a little too yellow and in the last two a little too magenta. I know it could be a little of the reflection off their clothing but its almost unnatural looking.

Are you manually setting your focus points?

[43 North]

The first thing that pops into my head is be careful of where your focus falls in all of them.

In the first one it fells on her sleeve at her wrist so the rest of her is out of focus
In the second shot it fell on the snowman at the back of her shirt
In the third it fell on the front of her shirt where the design is
In the fourth Im not sure where it fell but the picture is pretty out of focus.

I love the pose in 1 and 4

Colors in the first two feel a little too yellow and in the last two a little too magenta. I know it could be a little of the reflection off their clothing but its almost unnatural looking.

Are you manually setting your focus points?

I was using zone focusing on my 7D. I see exactly what you are saying. Next time I will use single point focus, is that a good way to fix this kind of problem?

As for the color, I am also trying my hand for the first time with Photo Shop :lol: I adjusted the saturation too much I suspect is the problem.

[obnoxiousmom]

Always select your focus point when doing portrait photography :)

Here is a correction I did on picture 1 in photoshop. You might not find it to be better

I duplicated layer. Sharpened. Erased everything but her face on the duplicate layer so that it brought out the focus more on her rather than her shirt. Duplicate layer and sharpened again and erased all but her eyes to make them pop. Did selective color and lowered the saturation of red as it was the red that was too much in the picture and then lightened the red areas to bring up the color on the left side of her face to match the right side. How does it look to your eyes?

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2506/4201781871_ae1188eb44_o.jpg

[43 North]

That is good work, you are right her eyes really pop out now. The only thing I would like to see is a little bit richer/warmer color. What adjustment would you do in PS to accomplish this? I also plan on get a reflector for the broad side of the face, that should help with some of the flush look on that side?

[gyoung06]

Great model but the focus being off really distracts from the set. Someone once gave me advice to focus on the eyes and I will pass that on to you.

[43 North]

Good advice, I will follow. So another question and thing I am struggling with......the backlighting. Although in these shots there is not much of a backdrop, what are the opinions of the backlighting? I was using my wireless 430EX on the floor behind them firing straight up.

Other tips for using this flash as a backlighter?

[obnoxiousmom]

The only thing I would like to see is a little bit richer/warmer color. What adjustment would you do in PS to accomplish this?

Image>Adjustments>Photo filter

And there are several filters in there you can play with

I dont know anything about backlighting so that will have to come from some one else :(

[gyoung06]

Good advice, I will follow. So another question and thing I am struggling with......the backlighting. Although in these shots there is not much of a backdrop, what are the opinions of the backlighting? I was using my wireless 430EX on the floor behind them firing straight up.

Other tips for using this flash as a backlighter?
Using a strobe behind is good if you are trying to highlight a backdrop, change colors (gels) or show seperation from subject and backdrop. Some will take there 2nd strobe shooting down with a snoot for hairlight. What did you use for the main strobe and in which mode (TTL, Manual, 1/8, 1/16 power? Many times bouncing a single flash will get you great results depending on ceiling/wall height or distance. There are so many options/combinations. Many people follow Strobist for simple ideas and learning assignments.

[43 North]

I was using a regular 100W 110V strobe shooting down and through an umbrella. The strobe was at full power, I realized later this was not ideal because it was forcing me to shoot at a 1/200 shutter speed. I will drop my main strobe down to half power and lower shutter speed to pick up more of the back lighting.

Keep the critique and tips comen guys! I really appreciate it.