Maternity C&C

Hey y'all. I have been MIA for a while, some BIG life changes have happened and I have fell off the bandwagon. But, I am here on the forum, and have re-kindled my fondness of photography. I am currently working on my portfolio, so I have many friends and family volunteering. All I am using is my Canon T1i and a 85-250mm lens. We went during the 'golden hour' so I was able to pull off no flash. My next lens will finally be the nifty fifty, and I want to get the 430ex flash. But before that I would really like to get some indoor equipment. Anyways, enough chattering here are a few pictures of the maternity session I did yesterday afternoon. I would love for your comments so I can improve.

Bump? No one?

What aperture were you shooting at, where was the focus point?

Concerning which photo?

Photo No 1
Exposure 0.006 sec (1/160)
Aperture f/5.6
Focal Length 60 mm
ISO Speed 400
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash Off, Did not fire
X-Resolution 72 dpi
Y-Resolution 72 dpi
Orientation Horizontal (normal)

Photo 2
Exposure 0.006 sec (1/160)
Aperture f/5.6
Focal Length 74 mm
ISO Speed 400
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash Off, Did not fire

Photo 3
Info isn't picking up.

Photo 4
Info isn't picking up.

Photo 5
Exposure 0.006 sec (1/160)
Aperture f/5.6
Focal Length 74 mm
ISO Speed 800
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash Off, Did not fire
X-Resolution 72 dpi
Y-Resolution 72 dpi
Orientation Horizontal (normal)

Bump again? I really thought I'd get more comments, here.

I like the ifrst one the best, looks relaxed and the lighting is lovely..
I was never a fan of kissing the bump...it just looks so contrived.sorry, I know everyone does it but it always looks awkward to me.

Thanks for your input Flo! I couldn't agree more with the kissing of the bump, but that's what they wanted a photo of. So, I complied.

I agree with the above. The diff in outfits is to me a no-no. He looks like a soccer Mom and he went gangster. One of the things I stress in portraits and fashions sessions is not wearing cloths or hair styles that will date the shot. You should aim for "timeless". Your location is good and the poses are workable, but the ball cap etc are to me a deal breaker. I consult with the subject well in advance to plan the colors of the shoot as well as the styling.

The first shot is perhaps the best. The others are OK but expressions and hand placement need work.

Thank you Les.

I did give them both ideas on what to wear. When they show up at a session wearing something I told them not to wear, do I shoot them, or do I tell them no? I realize that the fashion of the photos has my name on it.

Can you give me ideas about their expressions in the other photos? Where should the hand placements have been instead of where they are.

I appreciate the critiques, but how can I make the photos better?

I think your placement of the hands are great, they look comfortable.but I agree about the attire.sometimes you have to get them to bring a change of clothing, just to avoid situations like this one.
She looked beautiful, and agree, he does look all gangst'ad up..

You have input more than you think Your location is lovely.

Ok. So, maybe I'll tell people no hats allowed, it kind shades the face anyways.

What are good colors to wear for outdoors?

I prefer black, only because it's classy. I'll have to read more into it about the fashion of 'clients'.

thanks for the input guys.

White and a bright orange are the only things I dont like shooting outdoors. Those two colors in post processing are a pain in the butt for me.

For the last photo, the one where you asked about both faces being in focus, they either both have to be on the exact same shooting plane, which rarely ever happens, or you have to adjust your aperture. I see you were already at 5.6 so were already loosing the bokah but sometimes you just have to close it down a bit more regardless.

And then, if this still fails me I fix it in photoshop. I know thats a HUGE no-no but thankfully in the digital world, we have that option. I simply make a copy of the layer, sharpen just the out of focus face in the second layer. Flatten. And then sharpen them together. It usually pulls the faces into the same focus for me. But I try to avoid this at all cost.

I think overall the photos are great and think the only place a wardrobe mistake was made was when she went to the blue dress. He either needed to dress up with her and loose the hat or she needed to stay more casual to match him more. I struggle with you in the same aspect of "Telling them what they can and cant wear." but we have to remember, its a direct reflection of our work and as the professional, its our job to guide them.

http://photos.campbell​salgado.com …69_iD4CS#101152​9526_uvm3B

Gives a darned good color wheel

OM, thanks for your input. I will see if I can save it in PS. That makes since about the arpeture, I guess I'd rather lose bokeh than lose the focus of the faces.

That's one problem I hope to deal with when getting more comfortable with people, is able to give direction.That is one of my downfalls.

I should have made him put back his first outfit, or told her not to change. I see that now more, but didn't realize the mistake when it happened.

Flo! Thanks so much for sending me that link.