surprise gift (5 pics)

My nieces were in town this weekend visiting my mother (their grandmother). They wanted some special pictures taken to give to their parents as Christmas gifts this year. It was actually my idea so I could play with my camera some more, but they were really into it. Let me know what you think.

1.

Cool!

#1 is really good IMO! I like the bench there and the BKG seems to be just right!

#2 is also nice. The lighting in the BKG is "slightly" overexposed (blown out) but it doesn't bother me

#3 This picture is a bit soft and BY FAR, looks better in B&W

#4 is the money shot! This pic has a great pose! I would have liked the BKG to be a bit out of focus (or a bit more) but overall this was my favorite. Also the expressions seem a little "forced"

Dude, keep it up!!!

SkWeEkiE wrote in post #2099581
Cool!

#1 is really good IMO! I like the bench there and the BKG seems to be just right!

#2 is also nice. The lighting in the BKG is "slightly" overexposed (blown out) but it doesn't bother me

#3 This picture is a bit soft and BY FAR, looks better in B&W

#4 is the money shot! This pic has a great pose! I would have liked the BKG to be a bit out of focus (or a bit more) but overall this was my favorite. Also the expressions seem a little "forced"

Dude, keep it up!!!

Thanks. I'm glad you picked a favorite.... I couldn't. I guess I'm a litlle biased. I like the BW one also.. if forced that and #5 would be my pick.

#3 is my favorite...it would have been better with a little catchlight in their eyes, though...IMHO! All the shots are great. I'm sure the parents will love whichever ones the kids give 'em.

I adore the black and white conversion the best, but they are all great shots

Kaylene

All nice shots Jamey. I would crop #1 down a little and like the B&W of #3 better than the color version. I'm driving down Wednesday evening and I'll see you Thurday monrning sometime.

The B&W pic is THE best . Fabulous shot - well captured. Might be a little soft on the lower girls face - but I think it's beautiful.

I really like the pose of the last, did it take you long to come up with it, or was it one of those "hold it - click!" moments.

TJ

TeeJay wrote in post #2103114
The B&W pic is THE best . Fabulous shot - well captured. Might be a little soft on the lower girls face - but I think it's beautiful.

I really like the pose of the last, did it take you long to come up with it, or was it one of those "hold it - click!" moments.

TJ

Thanks TJ. The last pose is actually something I've been planning for another family, but the shoot never panned out. I finally got the chance and I'm pleased with it. The youngest was actually a little scard thinking she was going to fall. You can almost see it on her face.

I'm just now looking at the pictures closely after posting and they are a lot softer than I my originals. Could that have been the jpeg compression and downsizing?

Awesome images... probably need fill flash, but you pose better than I do.

I really like these images. The poses are great. The parents will love them.

the black and white image is pure gold...they'll love it

Thanks everyone. I'm pretty happy with these. I think my brother and his wife are going to love them also. I've been waiting for the chance to get practice these shots for some more family photos I've got scheduled later this fall. I'll switch it up a little, but I think I've got a good base of poses to choose from.

cinci-photo wrote in post #2103209
....
I'm just now looking at the pictures closely after posting and they are a lot softer than I my originals. Could that have been the jpeg compression and downsizing?

I'm often surprised how well pics come out when they have been reduced/compressed to get them onto the forum.