Getting Discouraged ... Here is an attempt

[Tyler's Mom]

I've got alot to learn and I know that. the only person that I can really practice on is my Husband and well that's a chore inside of its self. (He has Vitaligo and hates pictures).

I was able to capture these at the park earlier today

What can I Work On ? I was just Using Natural Light set in AV mode no Flash and my ISO was 400. (There off Center a Tad I had a puppy attached to my wrist at the time and she was pulling):rolleyes:

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e342/lesmiserables14/IMG_0128.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e342/lesmiserables14/IMG_0132.jpg

(Obsviously I havent Editied these :cool:)

CC Thanks

[obnoxiousmom]

The photos are kind of small so its hard for me to critique

But he seems a little underexposed. They look a little snap shot

[Tyler's Mom]

I cant resize them Photobucket it freezing on me. Oh well thanks anyway

[jack lumber]

+1 on above,,,the white bag ? in #2 has to go!

[snyderman]

when the light is really bad, (like you have here) it's pretty tough to get a quality image. The light is so bad that it appears even your camera didn't focus well.

Parallel to sports: when the play is running AWAY from you, just put the camera down and stop shooting!

Better light is coming. Midday here in NE Ohio ... dusk. All day. Brutal. Depressing.

dave

[Permagrin]

Don't be discouraged. You are right, there is a lot to learn.

First, if you are going to use natural light, you need to make sure the subject's face is illuminated by the light. Otherwise, some sort of fill flash is needed.

Secondly, when you are doing a portrait, if you don't "connect" with the eyes in the shot, then it comes off like a snapshot. So again, if you subject is wearing a hat that shades his eyes, tilt the head (or hat) up a bit (and again, make sure the face is illuminated).

Third, unless you are doing an environmental portrait (meaning the subject showing his work or hobby), don't be afraid to get close up. The best portraits draw you into the subject.

Fourth, don't get in the habit of shooting straight on. Too many people do this (i.e. stand in front of their subject and shoot). Climb on something and shoot down (this is a good one for getting the face to look up in natural light). Go down low and shoot up. If your subject is laying down though, getting down to their level can make for a great shot. Be creative with your posing.

Fifth, make sure you get your exposures correct. Both of these are underexposed.

and lastly (for now :) ), keep practicing. Practice on pets. Practice on kids...friends...even inanimate objects. You'll see things you like each time you shoot (as well as things you don't). Try to remember what you didn't like, and why. It will help you not to duplicate it.

Oh and go to other people's galleries. Look at what they do. Check out the SMWYG (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=8984857&postcount=1) competition if you want as well. We try to help people with their weekly shots.

[Tyler's Mom]

Thank You.. This was a last min. Trick my husband into it type thing lol. I'm hoping Tuesday to go to that park again w/o dogs and get some better ones

[obnoxiousmom]

Dont be discouraged. Its a learning process

[chomish]

Definately dont get discouraged. These arent bad, and a good first step. The good new is that were in the digital age and you could just grab your camera and snap hundreds of shots to learn from. Just keep on shooting and reviewing your pictures and seeing what looks good. You will definately eventually start taking some really ncie shots. Its too early to get discouraged, just shoot alot. :)

[Living Daylight]

I notice from your EXIF that the aperture was f/8. Often with portraits a narrower depth of field (wider aperture) will bring the focus onto the subject.

Also, don't worry about them being off center. I would suggest looking up the rule of thirds - essentially having your subject about 1/3 off center usually adds to the interest.

[PhotosGuy]

set in AV mode... Fifth, make sure you get your exposures correct. Both of these are underexposed. Why?
Post #47 (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=5191658&postcount=47)
Click the post #47 at the top-right of that post if you'd like more info on the subject.

[Tyler's Mom]

Definately dont get discouraged. These arent bad, and a good first step. The good new is that were in the digital age and you could just grab your camera and snap hundreds of shots to learn from. Just keep on shooting and reviewing your pictures and seeing what looks good. You will definately eventually start taking some really ncie shots. Its too early to get discouraged, just shoot alot. :)

Dont Think I'll have a Problem with Shooting alot. I take my Camera EVERYWHERE. Since were Military were always seeing something cool looking on base to snap a Picture of

Thanks Everyone.

[sue.t]

My husband is often an unwilling model, but because he thinks he looks awful in photos. And he does when he's posed ... gets a goofy stupid grin on his face that looks fake.

I've been encouraging him to ignore me (which isn't too far a stretch for him!). I tell him to go about his business and let me make the shot. The "candid" shots of him are much nicer, and he's beginning to lose his dislike of being photographed now that it doesn't take any work on his part and the pics look good.