How is my First Picture? <--------

I know i have a long way to go in terms of shooting, composure, PP, etc...

This is my first real attempt at PP. Rip it apart PLEASE. Tell me what it lacks and what it needs.

Shooting conditions were dusk, 400 ISO, 1/30, 5.6

....windows into the soul. You have darkened hers too much.

sminker said:

This is my first real attempt at PP. Rip it apart PLEASE. Tell me
what it lacks and what it needs.

Click to expand...

You have excellent composition and expression for a head shot. I would be a little more careful about trying to remove background distractions. The picture looks a little under exposed and dark all over, but especially in her eyes.

In post process, I lightened the exposure overall and increased the contrast slightly. For her eyes specifically, I increased the contrast more and brightened, then sharpened. I also desaturated everything except her eyes, slightly. (I like that look.) Now the picture has drama. Her eyes could pierce you! I have attached an edited version so you can see what I am talking about. I also cropped a little from the left.

Your edit for reference:

sminker said:

Click to expand...

Your picture, my edit:



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Maybe shoot earlier in the day. ISO 400 at 1/30? Personally I would do a re-shoot in the afternoon w/ISO 100. You could argue that her face is slightly under-exposed, and you should have used a flash. Dont zoom in too much; cropping is your friend.

If you want, shoot indoors but use window light and turn off indoor lights. Close the blinds for better lighting, put a towel over the window...you can get creative and get good lighting w/out expensive equipment.

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Go Giants!
Best pitching in '08

It's a pretty good photo actually, as you caught some nice eye detail.

You just need to liven it up a little.

Overall, I increased the curves to the brighter side.

I also slightly increased the shadow levels.

Then I invidually selected the parts of the eyes, 6 selections. The 4 whites and the two blue eyes, all feathered. I then brightened with levels around 215.

This was just a QUICK fix. Also I am not sure of time of day lighting, as white balance may be off a fudge, but I didn't adjust white balance as I didn't know your circumstances.

Also I would of liked to increased curves even more, but you had a hot spot in the hair right at the top. I went the edge as it is.

If you don't want a sample posted, I apologize and will take it down.

samples are great.

the picture was actually spurt of the moment. i was outside on my deck just messing around with the camera and my daughter happened to be out there with me.

you guys are great help.

Her face is a little underexposed. Also, there isn't much of a catchlight in the eyes, but you still have detail in them, so brightening them would help. Do you have a calibrated monitor (or printer)? That would probably help a lot, since you'd be getting what the image actually looks like. The built in flash is okay too, for fill with it turned down.

great motive and composition, but be aware of the background (as mentioned by others). I think the picture could have improved by being a tack sharper - did you shoot it with the kit lens? Try stopping it down a bit. The picture is f5.6 which would be the widest aperature for the kit-lens at 52mm - try it at f8.

Regards
Mads
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I hear ya, most of my practice time is spur of the moment and usually after dinner time with the kids playing in the backyard.

Great capture of a very cute girl.

sminker said:

samples are great.

the picture was actually spurt of the moment. i was outside on my
deck just messing around with the camera and my daughter happened to
be out there with me.

you guys are great help.

Click to expand...

--
Min

mishnogram said:

I hear ya, most of my practice time is spur of the moment and usually
after dinner time with the kids playing in the backyard.

Great capture of a very cute girl.

Click to expand...

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mishnogram said:

Min

Click to expand...

Thanks.

And yes it was with the kit lense.

I had to do 5.6 since it was dusk. I tried a higher f-stop but my shutter speed would of been too low. she is very active so i had to up the ISO and shutter speed to get a clear picture. i bought an awesome book that really helped with learning all the camera settings, tips for certain types of shots, etc...

It looks like you told her how much of the national debt she owes, try to get her to smile are laugh, nothing better looking than a girl with a smile!
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Since I learned, shooting with film,... I think negative!