Young Family

Did a shoot with a young family.

I know this is not the Critique Corner, but I think you can learn much from these pictures so here is my opinion:

First picture:
I would have made the silhouette all black with no detail in them, also change the white balance into yellow so it would have looked like a sunset. I would have cropped the sides less so the arms would not get cut off and let them watch straight forward. I would have positioned them right in front of the sea and not at an angle.

Second picture:
Simply under exposed, the expression on the faces are a little painfull, except for the father. Next time shoot at a later time of day or sooner so the sun is lower. Also make shure that no one is carrying bags.

Third picture:
Just does nothing with me, subject is isolated but her expression is awkward to me.

Forth picture:
Does nothing to me either, the background is to distracting and the expression on the face of the mother is not so great, the kid loves it though .

Fifth picture:
Same as the forth, background to distracting and subject is not good isolated from the rest of the scene.

Sixth picture:
Is the only one I like, although a kid should be playing in the sand but with these clothes I could understand wy that would not be an option.

Seventh picture:
Don't have so much to say about it.

Sorry for being so harsh, like I said, I know this is not the Critique Corner.
I love your night pictures though:p

i agree with most of what master said.

They look a bit soft on top of that.

A few pointers -

1) Watch your backgrounds. These have VERY busy distracting BG's.
Be sure to prioritize your clients when you go shooting. Make them the star of the show. For instance, in several of the posted shots we see groups of people and many other obstacles (trashcans!) that take our away from the main focus - your clients!

2) Shoot at better times of the day. I know you don't always have control over this, but to get the best photos possible ... you want to try and schedule your shoots during peak performance hours. (typically 1-1 1/2 hours before sundown)

3) Focus. Make sure you get the eyes in focus. This is a huge dealbreaker. It maybe the compression, but these look soft to me. Could be the Tokina, I don't have any personal experience with it.

Three points of attention - Exposure, Focus, and composition. If you can manage to get these three right, everything else usually falls into place.

thanks guys... really appreciate your suggestions.