Family Christmas photos

I recently shot some Christmas photos for this family- I'd be anxious to hear C&C on these samples...

MIME changed to 'text/html' | Content warning: script

HTTP response: 403 | MIME changed to 'text/html'

MIME changed to 'text/html' | Content warning: script

HTTP response: 403 | MIME changed to 'text/html'

MIME changed to 'text/html' | Content warning: script

HTTP response: 403 | MIME changed to 'text/html'

That last one is a cute idea but ...
floor is really dirty
box of crap should have been moved
kids aren't cooperating
lighting is flat

the rest look like snapshots to me

that being said, I don't think I could have done any better

mckinleypics wrote in post #11451085
That last one is a cute idea but ...
f

that being said, I don't think I could have done any better

Does the family like them? That is all that matters. It is difficult to give C&C sometimes, what criteria do we judge on? As a pro? As a newbie with limited gear and knowledge? it is tough sometimes.

If I were a newbie, with limited knowledge and gear, I would probably have kept it simple, putting the 3 girls on the floor, middle head straight on, two heads on either side leaning in towards her with tree as background. If one of the three is "more important" than the others, like the mom, oldest sib etc, I would put HER as the middle head. Ditto with the entire group, pose the main person or couple in the center, and everyone else around them in a pleasing composition, triangle, inverted triange etc, and shoot quite close up, including some christmas elements in the background, but little else. A shot like that, once it is put on a christmas card template, will be Christmasy enough.
I like the fun stuff. They look like a fun bunch!

The last one is sweet, beautiful awkwardness. But I'm sure it was fun

These people look uncomfortable, as if you barged into their home and began taking their pictures against their will. That isn't entirely your fault of course (unless you DID that).

I'm having too much fun so here's a constructive comment - if you get that close to the top of the tree in frame, make sure it's included rather than cut off. And there's decorations showing in the corner/edges that you can keep out of frame, I think that will make a big difference.

agree with the snap shot feel.....the lighting is harsh and the poses don't allow for equal focus plane.
Sue gives excellent advice.

I have to agree, these do look like snap shots.
This is mainly due to the fact, not everyone is pay attention, the lighting is harsh and the background is very messy/busy.

If you took alot of pictures, maybe you can merge a few together to change the facial expressions, and also clean up the backgrounds.

But if the family likes them the way they are, then awesome!

The tree is not in a good position on anyone. the chair and things on the wall dont look good. Just a plain wall would have been better. spend some time in pp and you could have something better. my cc