Photographing children

RhiannonPhotography · Nov 30, 2012

I'm a single mother of 2 trying to find my place in the photography business. I don't have many people around me to critique my work so everyone please feel free to give me any advice and opinions. I need all that I can get. I have no idea where my work is as far as rating and progress other then family opinions which you can never fully trust. ha

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Samantha Rhiannon

Pimpleportrait · Nov 30, 2012

Love your first shot. You have the skill. Business is a matter I am struggling to grasp myself.

Good Luck,

Ben

canuck dave · Nov 30, 2012

1. You are doing quite well.

2. There is definitely a market for 'kids' photography since many parents just cannot pull it off.

3. Have realistic expectations. Unless you are very fortunate (yes, luck does play into this) you will not make a large amount of money, unless..........

4. .....you invest a lot of time and money into learning, and marketing and shooting. And then, luck does come into play once again. Some photographers just don't 'come across' as well as others. Beyond the skill set, one's manner (and even appearance) can make a large difference in their success.

5. I must note how pleased I am to see that you are creating lovely images with a fairly modest camera. My gosh, some feel by loading up with expensive gear that somehow they will create fine work!

good luck

Vidau · Nov 30, 2012

I bet that you're best mother than photographer and you are an excellent photographer, I envy your skill and patience.

Nick_Brisbane · Nov 30, 2012

Firstly, well done on having a go at this. I only take pics of our extended family but here is my 2c worth.

What lenses are you using?

What mode do you use to take your shots? I use aperture priority in these situations.

Some individual comments:

IMO - number one is good – a good pose, 3 has got potential, 4 is good, 5 good but watch the sunlight (see below) 11 good (watch background see below) and 12.
The pictures look a little soft (i.e. not entirely nailing focus). In some cases this may be because the speed is too slow. It’s ideal that the speed be at least two times the focal length. Take the last three pics – focal length for the second last is 45 mm but the speed is 1/50 = too slow and same with the last picture. You could open the aperture or increase ISO to increase the speed
Not sure what lens you are using but I suggest experimenting with opening the aperture down to 2.8 - 3.5 and concentrating on getting the eyes in focus – this will increase your speed as well as blur out your background more.
I suggest thinking more about your back ground. In the second picture my eyes are distracted by the pathway, trees, the edge of a house etc. I like shot 11 but unfortunately it looks like there is a something white in the tree that distracts.
Perhaps try and avoid blown highlights i.e. in leaves and the pumpkins in the second pumpkin shot
The wide angle shot from low down doesn’t really work for me.
When I first started posting pictures here I was firmly told to straighten my horizons. The picture of the plane has a number of lines showing that the horizon is tilted. (I find picasa has the best picture straightener).
There are a number of single person shots where you could crop in head and shoulders to remove some clutter.
I haven’t talked about fill in flash as I don’t use it much

I go to this site to learn. They will send you a free weekly email if you register:

http://digital-photography-school.com/tips

keep shooting!

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Photographing children

RhiannonPhotography

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Pimpleportrait

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canuck dave

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Vidau

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Nick_Brisbane

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