Family Portrait C&C

Had a photo session this past Sunday of Father, son, daughter, and dog. Great time, perfect weather. C&C appreciated.

Equipment used: 40D, 28-135mm 3.5-5.6 IS, 580EXII off camera, 44" reflector

Image 1:

Very nice capture. I think the shots are really sharp. Was there a lot of pp involved.
The only reason I ask is so many people don't give enough credit to the 28-135 and IMHO with a good flash or good light the glass is a solid performer.

guyzer09 wrote in post #9031973
Very nice capture. I think the shots are really sharp. Was there a lot of pp involved.
The only reason I ask is so many people don't give enough credit to the 28-135 and IMHO with a good flash or good light the glass is a solid performer.

The 28-135 does ok for what it costs, but I can tell the difference when I am fortunate enough to use an "L" lens. (I rent lenses if I can line multiple session up) Not to much PP in these... WB, vignette, and sharpening.

Nice set. The dog in #4 looks as if he is saying something and you captured it.

I'll give it a go.

1) Lighting is off. Background is not good.
2) What can I say, it's virtually the same shot as the first. However, the lighting is better. Background is still not that flattering, but it works better than the first.
3) Lighting and exposure is good. But it's crooked. Straightening it out would benefit.
4) Yikes, the purple towel. Definitely the towel needs to go. And the pole is a distraction.
5) My favorite of the bunch.

.... The rest are cute and the client will be happy with them, for sure.

My main suggestion for you, is to watch those backgrounds. I know the 28-135 is tough to get any sort of bokeh from, so that should inspire you to watch those BG's even closer.

I will say that you did a good job on focusing your subjects, exposing the shots, and overall capturing those loving moments. Keep it up. And be sure to share with us.

P.S. Don't take my crits as a bash .. only trying to help, I promise.
Much love.

Good flash control, but I feel all of the smile are same, i think it'll be better if you made the pose and expression more relax and free.

Grimlock wrote in post #9035315
P.S. Don't take my crits as a bash .. only trying to help, I promise.
Much love.

Bash? Heck no... I love knowing where I can improve. Thanks for the constructive criticism!

The shoot was rushed a little and I didn't have a chance to look at the surrounding before the shoot because the family beat me there. I hate using my 28-135mm for any paid gig, but I didn't have a choice on this one. Hopefully the client will be happy with the results.

LOL at the towel comment. The client was aware of photoshop capabilities, so he didn't think it was a big deal. I am going to spend some time seeing if I can clone it out.

I thought the pictures were good of the family. The part I find distracting is the white lint on the girl's pants. I can't help it. My eyes are drawn like a magnet. If you are going to spend time cloning something out please consider being a lint brush. My 2 cents.....

Lucyb625 wrote in post #9038358
I thought the pictures were good of the family. The part I find distracting is the white lint on the girl's pants. I can't help it. My eyes are drawn like a magnet. If you are going to spend time cloning something out please consider being a lint brush. My 2 cents.....

I agree partly, but that isn't lint... it is sparkles.

rlineberg wrote in post #9038376
I agree partly, but that isn't lint... it is sparkles.

And Dog hair Nice pics...I like 4, I agree about the pole and towel being distracting.

You have a nice selection of images there. Other than whats already been said, I would add that you should watch the colour of your subjects clothing (blue shirt, checkered top, speckles on leggings)

Portrait type shots are all about drawing attention to the subjects "faces" - brightly coloured clothing (and towels!) tends to distract from their features.

You seem to be on the right track though - keep shooting!

TJ