Family portraits

So I've been seeing a few photographers in my area doing all sorts of photo sessions for easter/spring with absolute sub-par results. I can't see why anyone would pay for a session with them based on what I've seen. I have been arguing with my wife over this and she basically told me that I can't judge them because I don't put myself out there to do portrait sessions. These are from one of the only family sessions I've done. Please tell me what you think of these and if I should try venturing out into the family/kids/senior portrait world. Thank you for your honesty up front.

If you're not able to consistently see and deal appropriately with disturbing hot spots as you shoot, you're not at the highest level. Some of these are outstanding. Others, Not so much. Not quite there yet, but pretty close. Consistency is key.

Too much clutter in the background. Except for the last 2 each of them has some background element that distracts. I agree also that the dappled light causing hot spots is an issue.

I have to agree with Texkam. Most people who charge for their work would have noticed the mottled light and moved them out of it. You also need to work on your posing. Extending the feet toward the camera draws attention to them and makes them appear larger than they actually are. How are you lighting your subjects? The lighting doesn't seem to be consistent.

The fact that many people charge for their work when it may be inferior to yours, should not affect your decision to charge people. There are people charging for producing some terrible images but is that the reputation you want? I'd wait until you have a little more experience and practice every chance you get.

The dads "smile" looks like the dentist just told him that he needs to have all his wisdom teeth out? Find a way to recognize it & loosen him up before you start shooting.

It is hard to hear constructive criticism. We see how far we have come from when we first started photographing. We look at others work and see how far we still have to go.

I would say that the images are, how i would compare them due to my experiences. Above the standard working out of my home photo business, but under the "i have my own studio" photographer.

First the bad.
As many have pointed out the dappled lighting in 1,2,3, and the last image.
Missed focus on the boy in 6 and on the mom in 7 unless this is jpeg compression on the mom.
CA, chromatic aberration in 2 and possibly 5.
Be careful about over processing the eyes. It looks like you were trying to increase the exposure/contrast a bit much trying to brighten the eyes. More noticeable on the dad, unless his hazel eyes are just that intense. Also the last image the eyes are too white and sharpened/clarity imho. I have a bigger issue with this then most people. Due to the dappled lighting one eye is brighter then the other on the same person on a lot of the images.The way to fix the eyes in camera is to better control the light reflector/off camera flash or covered shade.

The good.
I think the posing and framing/composition is done well for the most part.
You caught some genuine smiles and moments. This alone is more than many photographers can do. The dads smile is fine to me, it looks to be just who he is.
I think that with just a little more control of the lighting, you can really be a stand out photographer in your community, but that you are currently better then the average guy in your community.

Dear Mico5797 - What a classy answer - Thank you for your great example of how to give constructive criticism. I think you were spot on! I wish everyone on forums used their words as well as you do, esp. when giving honest advice that might be hard to hear.

Diane

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I did this to prove to my wife that I am not ready. I do not want the reputation of someone that deliver's mediocre images. I know I need to work on my posing and on my lighting. I have began to take care of lighting with the purchase of some basics, i.e. reflector, softbox, stand, extra flash. I work with my kids and close friends on almost a weekly basis. I have been a member on this forum for a few years now and always look to this site for creative inspiration. To Mico5797, thank you for your comment. As Diane said, you really have a way with your words. I appreciate it.