Candid Kids

[vickylou]

Just a few of my favourite candid shots from the weekend. Any advice to help me improve would be very much appreciated.

 

[Sebastian1x]

These are lovely images & wonderful kids: you have great models to work with. Your images are well exposed and focus are ok too. Looks like you are using on camera fill flash which is ok and its well done here. But you could try using a relector instead to create more interesting light or use an off camera flash.

When you present an image series like this then throw in a few full body images as complement to the tight framings you use. Also with so many lovely faces try tight group photo with all faces together.

BR
Sebastian

 

[vickylou]

Thank you for your reply, I was using my speedlite for fill in and I try to bounce it where possible but a reflector would be good for when this is not possible. I have a omnibounce diffuser which I had left at home so did not use it on this occasion but would a white card work better? or is there another reflector that you can recommend?

The little boy is my son and he is used to being followed around with my camera but the little girl is a friends daughter who loves having her photo taken so she was amazing for me to practise on and was asking me to take her photo all day.

 

[Sebastian1x]

Regarding your question about small snap on diffusers for your flash: well why not try them out…. but I don’t think they give you anything. To make any difference diffusers need to be big in relation to the subject and outdoors as long as you are using flash as fill (not main light) then differences with / without are very small. It is much more important that you practice on how to get the flash exposure spot on: for improved flash-exposure accuracy check if your 60D has FEL (flash exposure lock) and learn to use this.

As an alternative to flash you could make a 25USD investment in a silver-reflector and on bright and sunny days you can create really beautiful effects …check out Laccolite’s homepage videos for inspiration.

BR
Sebastian
http://www.svwphoto.com/blog

Thank you for your reply, I was using my speedlite for fill in and I try to bounce it where possible but a reflector would be good for when this is not possible. I have a omnibounce diffuser which I had left at home so did not use it on this occasion but would a white card work better? or is there another reflector that you can recommend?

The little boy is my son and he is used to being followed around with my camera but the little girl is a friends daughter who loves having her photo taken so she was amazing for me to practise on and was asking me to take her photo all day.

--
SvW

 

[Sebastian1x]

Should be Lastolite ...

http://www.lastoliteschoolofphotography.com/

 

[curradob]

Very nice. Not crazy about the 1st (just not crazy about the angle) and 3rd (looks too much like a snapshot). The others I really like. They are beautiful children, the lighting is nice.
I don't think I'd call them candids tho

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comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and
controversy. MLK