home portrait session

[kevrayner]

this is from a session last sat !

my image of the month !

kev

[Pops]

Re: home portrait session

Like the pose very much along with the background which emphasises the vibrant colours but ......... a definate blown out area on the girls forehead spoils the shot for me. It also seems to be evident on the cheeks.

[Pol]

Re: home portrait session

I feel this shot has some potential but I think it might be better if there was more emphasis on the child and the prop (horse) was less prominent.

The prop looks almost a large as the child therefore it's competeing for the viewer's attention and detracts from the portrait of the child.

Pol

[Stephen]

Re: home portrait session

Hi Kev, welcome back to DPNow Wish you could show your image bigger though. Try using the IMG tags.

Like Pol I think the image has loads of potential, but somehow you are not taking full advantage of it. You have a pretty little girl, with her posh frockon and a good prop to use with her. However IMO the pose does not suit the prop or the format you have used (portrait) My feeling is that she is sat rather awkwardly on the rocking horse,and then she has been asked to put her arms in a rather unatural position. Her head is on the left side of the frame and all the negative space is on the right behind her. Again IMO it should be the other way round.

Its a tricky one to solve, but I may have lost the back half of the RH bringing the girls head and shoulders into the right half or central area of the frame. Finally, if you are going to include the whole of the RH then make sure you do

Now Kev, you have had my feedback/critique, so don't ignore me. Lets have some feedback from you. Do you agree with the comments or not? What did your setup consist of with regard to lighting etc? How did you have the camera set?

On a positive note, I've checked out your site, and have to say I think your photography has improved no end since you last posted on DPNow. Your style and results show a good deal more maturity. It puts me very much in mind of the way I was in the first few years of strarting a photo business. Its amazing what some on the job training can do for you I'm just glad I never developed into a wedding shooter

[kevrayner]

Re: home portrait session

hi stephen...thanks for the advice mate...when i do a home portrait shoot i always feel rushed ! i need to chill more and spend more time arranging the pose and thinkin things through !!

this little girl was ace to work with ! bless her ! it was her brother that was not so " ace "

i am constantly learning and feel i always will be...the parents of the shoot love the shots i have put on the site !

anyway thanks again for your comments...i have taken onboard what has been said !

kev

[Stephen]

Re: home portrait session

Good stuff Kev,I know what you mean about feeling rushed, but remember, as the photographer you are in control. I found that its often best to get to know your subject a little, gain some trust and rapor if possible. I reckon you are the kind of guy who is good with kids, so talk to them 1 to 1 and they will probably perform better for you.

You never mentioned what your lighting set up is for such shoots. In the last year I invested in a small lightweight Elinchron setup you buy as a kit, the DLite2, its not over expensive and cos its lightweight its ideal for home visits. You are pretty close to Leeds, I'd suggest checking out The Flash Centre off Mabgate for a look and trial. Good kit pays dividends