Photo's from my first paid session

Had the pleasure of photographing a friends 1 year old. Her photographer backed out last minute and she gave me a call. 90% of my work (hobby) is automotive event photography (Shows, races, car detail results, etc). So I had to put forth a great deal of effort to get these results.

She couldn't meet me until 7pm so we didn't get a lot of light. I realize the light I did get is a bit off putting with the angle (shadows on the face) but I did my best to make up for it in post. We had turned the chair a tad more toward the sun but the girls were to squinty lol.

Anyways, here goes nothing. What do you guys think? (these are the only 3 ive edited from the set so far).

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Not bad at all. #1 lost information in the faces (overexposed). 2 is better
Just put the sun at their backs and expose for their faces next time. The sky will be blown out but it doesn't matter. Plus you'll get really cool rim light around your subjects

The first two have pretty badly clipped highlights. You really needed a reflector there. The 3rd shot is a little under exposed. I'd clone out the circular highlights above her head in that one, and bump the exposure, and bingo!

+1 to back lighting the subjects and you would have had great evening for it. Still a good effort.

Thanks for the input guys! I realize I missed out on the light when reviewing in post. Live and learn, I usually don't have to worry about lighting too much with cars (or as much). Large reflectors and post processing usually can bring out the details in the body of the car just fine. People are much harder lol.

Here are some more I finished tonight, I'm going to go back and bump the exposure on the ones you guys suggested. I think thats a good idea:

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beano wrote in post #17132131
The first two have pretty badly clipped highlights. You really needed a reflector there. The 3rd shot is a little under exposed. I'd clone out the circular highlights above her head in that one, and bump the exposure, and bingo!

I am learning - would you use a reflector to brighten the other side of the face to keep it even or use it to create a shadow over them?

I'd use the reflector to brighten up the darker side, to get a more balanced exposure.

beano wrote in post #17133009
I'd use the reflector to brighten up the darker side, to get a more balanced exposure.

I'm pretty upset with myself about that honestly. I have reflectors in my truck for when I shoot cars. Didn't even remember they were there.

love that little chair!

Taylor02GT wrote in post #17132471

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/oKSb​bs Kensley | One Year by taylorhockman, on Flickr

Great photo. Remember that whatever you think about these photos, they are probably the best photos of the kids that these parents will ever have.

Taylor02GT wrote in post #17133186
I'm pretty upset with myself about that honestly. I have reflectors in my truck for when I shoot cars. Didn't even remember they were there.

Hehe! We've all made similar mistakes.. I went out shooting with friends once (not paid thankfully), and had forgotten to charge my battery!?! Three shots in, dead!

beano wrote in post #17132131
The first two have pretty badly clipped highlights. You really needed a reflector there. The 3rd shot is a little under exposed. I'd clone out the circular highlights above her head in that one, and bump the exposure, and bingo!

+1

and don't be scared of the backlight

Taylor02GT wrote in post #17132471

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/oKSb​bs Kensley | One Year by taylorhockman, on Flickr

I love this one, but not fond of the harsh side lighting but definitely a keeper!!