Beginner looking for help

Newbie looking for help. This is my 3rd dslr over the past 6 years, but I have never really took the time to learn how to shoot or post process. Here is a photo of my son in which I only did the high pass filter. All tips/suggestions would be greatly helpful.

Shoot in the evening using T3 and 28-135 with Yongnuo 468ex-II flash. Settings were 70mm, 1/200sec, f6.3, ISO 800

IMAGE LINK: http://s1174.photobuck​et.com …an/media/MasonP​S.jpg.html

My advice would be to get the flash off the camera and create some interesting shadows.

nwa2 wrote in post #15896958
My advice would be to get the flash off the camera and create some interesting shadows.

Thanks, Ext on ny purchase list is a 50mm 1.8, but after that I am going to get the 622c. As soon as I took my first pic with the flash I knew I wanted to get it off camera.

Your 3rd DSLR in 6 years and you don't do this for a living? That and the fact that you "never really took the time to learn how or to process" SUGGESTS to me that you are one of those people who just think that if they spend enough money or buy the right camera, good pictures will magically happen.? They won't. Read that again. : ) Maybe I"m wrong, but I'm just throwin' a theory out there.

Having said that, you son is so stinkin' cute, you need to take lots of pictures of him and study them to learn how to make them better. this picture isn't tragic, it just isn't great. Choosing to take pics of him at night was setting yourself up for "technical difficulties" if you aren't technically competent. Low light presents the most difficult of conditions. You didn't do a bad job on that front, but it wasn't stellar either. Balancing flash and ambient is a skill you need to learn. In the meantime, take your important pics in the daylight, in open shade or in the shade with a bit of flash or a reflector.

As far as the expression goes, it looks like you caught him just before or just after a natural smile. Wide eyed innocent no smile is often better than a half way awkward expression. Timing is everything.

The prop/hat in the picture dominates unnecessarily. It comes between his adorable little face and the camera and screams for attention. Even if it were on his head (which might present its own technical challenges with shadow etc.), I might understand and appreciate that it was included. At least there would be a reason. But it seems to just be there because it was just there, and it detracts IMO.

Take the time to learn your camera functions first and shoot a lot of pics that you study afterwards. Ask for critique and learn from them, eventually you will be shooting masterpieces that your son will cherish when he has his own kids. He's a real cutie. Have fun!

suecassidy wrote in post #15897001
Your 3rd DSLR in 6 years and you don't do this for a living? That and the fact that you "never really took the time to learn how or to process" SUGGESTS to me that you are one of those people who just think that if they spend enough money or buy the right camera, good pictures will magically happen.? They won't. Read that again. : ) Maybe I"m wrong, but I'm just throwin' a theory out there.

Having said that, you son is so stinkin' cute, you need to take lots of pictures of him and study them to learn how to make them better. this picture isn't tragic, it just isn't great. Choosing to take pics of him at night was setting yourself up for "technical difficulties" if you aren't technically competent. Low light presents the most difficult of conditions. You didn't do a bad job on that front, but it wasn't stellar either. Balancing flash and ambient is a skill you need to learn. In the meantime, take your important pics in the daylight, in open shade or in the shade with a bit of flash or a reflector.

As far as the expression goes, it looks like you caught him just before or just after a natural smile. Wide eyed innocent no smile is often better than a half way awkward expression. Timing is everything.

The prop/hat in the picture dominates unnecessarily. It comes between his adorable little face and the camera and screams for attention. Even if it were on his head (which might present its own technical challenges with shadow etc.), I might understand and appreciate that it was included. At least there would be a reason. But it seems to just be there because it was just there, and it detracts IMO.

Take the time to learn your camera functions first and shoot a lot of pics that you study afterwards. Ask for critique and learn from them, eventually you will be shooting masterpieces that your son will cherish when he has his own kids. He's a real cutie. Have fun!

Understandable. Should have explained more on the 3rd camera. I have purchased 2 before this one and only had them for a few months, did not take the time to learn them as I was naive and though I would pull it out of the box and shoot awesome pics. Now that I actually have a reason to shoot, I want to put the time in to learn.

This is just a shot I took because I wanted to try out my new flash. Hat had to be in the pic because if I took it away he was crying.

I have a ton to learn and just wanted to finally post a pic to start getting critiqued.

Thanks for the reply!

The 468ex-II adjusts to fire up. If you point it to 60-90 degrees upward and extend the white card, you will lose the direct-in-his-face flash look. I regularly use my adjustable flashes that way to avoid the harsh light.

Keep sharing your photographic journey. Welcome to DSLRs and POTN. Keep asking questions and you'll get lots of great information.