sweet family

Elaine

I had a shoot with a great family from our church last night. The mom said they wanted casual/traditional. We shot and walked and shot some more for over an hour, and they were all so terrific! I was very nervous, but I tried not to let it show. I think I'll have 20-25 shots in their gallery when I'm finished. I'm here to learn, so let me have it! (BTW, these have been cropped to 8x10 or 5x7 for display purposes.)

1
17-55 2.8 IS, ISO 640, 1/125, f/3.5, fill flash with CTB gel (1/2 or 1/4?)
I think I could have used a slightly deeper DOF here.


2
70-200 f/4 L IS, ISO 640, 1/160, f/4, flash fired but I'm not sure it did anything from the distance I was at?


3
17-55 2.8, ISO 500, 1/80, f/4, no flash


4
70-200, ISO 1000, 1/160, f/4, no flash


5
17-55, ISO 500, 1/80, f/3.2, no flash


I also got individual shots of the kids, as the mom wanted those in place of the normal school pictures. They aren't ready yet, so maybe I'll share them in another post.

cdonovan

Really really really nice job, seriously Ill bet that they are happy with each and everyone. Really nice location, nice that there are no trees growing out of their heads or shoulders, just very very nice overall!

There was no need to be nervous!:D

DECinNC

No reason for you to be nervous. The pictures are good and I'm sure the family will like them.

sweet caroline

They are beautiful. The family is evenly lit with soft, pleasing light. I like the way they are grouped. Their smiles are genuine. They'll love the photos. I think #1 (the best), #2, and # 5 are my favorites, but honestly, they are all good.

Caroline

Qarik

very nice..a touch too red in my eyes though

Travis

1 . Best of the bunch. I think the DOF is fine and the lighting balance is perfect. You better make another crop in the the 16x20 range because I see this one going over the mantel!


2 Technically nice but for some reason the standing on the slope bothers me. I think is the way the wife is leaning in. I do like the leading line s-curve behind them.


3 I really like the pose. The highlight in the background is a bit distracting. This could have been offset by underexposing the the background another 1 to 2 stops.


4 Again nice pose. A couple things to watch for is the shadow cast on the left side of his face by her head and cutting off part of his left hand.


5 Great playful shot. This is the most relaxed that he appears. Nice light balance and comp.


Take it with a grain of salt. They are very good images.

SitterS

Elaine these are really nice photos. I am sure the family will be very pleased with them and hopefully will order lots. Thanks for sharing.

jeffreaux2

Elaine.....great job!

They are each and all spot-on terrific. I don't think you have a problem with the DOF on #1. It looks great. I agree that it would look incredible printed BIG.

The flash balance in those where you said you used it looks good. No carppy flash induced shadows. I am also glad to see you are getting good results with the blue gels. Just a really nice job all round.

I have looked for something to nit pick. Like finding a needle in a hay stack here. On #4 you have a partial of his left hand. Had his hand been at her waist you would have gotten it all. I would have no problem printing that image.....only offering that teensy bit of C&C....as you have really left nothing else here to chance.

They are gonna love em.:D

Agnieszka

Very, very nice set Elaine!!!! I just have a remark for #3; dad looks bit uncomfortable (or maybe I just don't think it's a masculine pose? - not sure)

Fun set

Elaine

cdonovan wrote:

Really really really nice job, seriously <st1:state><st1:place>Ill</st1:place></st1:state> bet that they are happy with each and everyone. Really nice location, nice that there are no trees growing out of their heads or shoulders, just very very nice overall!

There was no need to be nervous!<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1&quot;/> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/> </v:formulas> <v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/> <o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/> </v:shapetype><v:shape id="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="" style='width:11.25pt; height:11.25pt'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\Elaine\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image001.gif" o:href="http://s3.amazonaws.com/advrider/icon10.gif"/&gt; </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]-->:D<!--[endif]-->

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Thank you so much! I don’t do this often enough to have worked out my nerves. Maybe someday.
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DECinNC wrote:

No reason for you to be nervous. The pictures are good and I'm sure the family will like them.

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Thanks, I hope so.
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sweet caroline wrote:

They are beautiful. The family is evenly lit with soft, pleasing light. I like the way they are grouped. Their smiles are genuine. They'll love the photos. I think #1 (the best), #2, and # 5 are my favorites, but honestly, they are all good.

Caroline

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Thanks for the kind comments! I was so worried about finding nice light. I kinda wish I had scheduled for a bit later in the day (we started at <st1:time minute="30" hour="17">5:30</st1:time>), but I prayed and prayed to find some good spots and I believe my prayers were answered!
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Qarik wrote:

very nice..a touch too red in my eyes though

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Hmmm…really? I guess I’m not seeing that, but I’ll take a closer look. Thanks for stopping by!
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Travis wrote:

1 . Best of the bunch. I think the DOF is fine and the lighting balance is perfect. <!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_i1026" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="" style='width:18.75pt;height:13.5pt'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\Elaine\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image002.gif" o:href="http://www.dgrin.com/images/smilies/thumb.gif"/&gt; </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6029383/emoji/thumb.gif&quot; border="0" alt="" ><!--[endif]-->You better make another crop in the the 16x20 range because I see this one going over the mantel!


2 Technically nice but for some reason the standing on the slope bothers me. I think is the way the wife is leaning in. <!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_i1027" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="" style='width:15pt;height:15pt'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\Elaine\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image003.gif" o:href="http://www.dgrin.com/images/smilies/headscratch.gif"/&gt; </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6029383/emoji/headscratch.gif&quot; border="0" alt="" ><!--[endif]-->I do like the leading line s-curve behind them.


3 I really like the pose. The highlight in the background is a bit distracting. This could have been offset by underexposing the the background another 1 to 2 stops.


4 Again nice pose. A couple things to watch for is the shadow cast on the left side of his face by her head and cutting off part of his left hand.


5 Great playful shot. This is the most relaxed that he appears. Nice light balance and comp. <!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_i1028" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="" style='width:18.75pt;height:13.5pt'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\Elaine\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image002.gif" o:href="http://www.dgrin.com/images/smilies/thumb.gif"/&gt; </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6029383/emoji/thumb.gif&quot; border="0" alt="" ><!--[endif]-->


Take it with a grain of salt. They are very good images. <!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_i1029" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="" style='width:11.25pt;height:11.25pt'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\Elaine\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image001.gif" o:href="http://s3.amazonaws.com/advrider/icon10.gif"/&gt; </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]-->:D<!--[endif]-->

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Thanks for all the feedback, Travis! I was a bit concerned on the DOF on #1 because if you look really closely, the small boy and dad are sharper than the back three. Hopefully that won’t be too noticeable in a print.
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Hmmm…I see what you mean about the mom leaning in on #2...I’ll have to watch for that in this location. I still like it though.
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On #3, I didn’t use any flash. I could have underexposed the background and added some flash for them. I was just enjoying the natural light.
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Hey, I’m just happy I was aware enough of the shadow on his face in #4 to make him sit up and her sit back in order to get it out of his eyes! <img src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6029383/emoji/rolleyes1.gif&quot; border="0" alt="" >I don’t usually notice those things ‘till later! Yes, I’m bummed I cut off his hand. I did in the original shot, so now I just have to find the best crop. Maybe I should crop the whole hand? But I don't like crops at the joints/wrists.
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That last one was impromptu…thus the relaxed pose. They were watching me shoot one of the kids and I just turned the camera on them.
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Thanks for all the great input!
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SitterS wrote:

Elaine these are really nice photos. I am sure the family will be very pleased with them and hopefully will order lots. Thanks for sharing. <!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_i1030" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="" style='width:18.75pt;height:13.5pt'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\Elaine\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image002.gif" o:href="http://www.dgrin.com/images/smilies/thumb.gif"/&gt; </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6029383/emoji/thumb.gif&quot; border="0" alt="" ><!--[endif]-->

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Thank you very much, Shane! I hope they order lots, too!
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jeffreaux2 wrote:

Elaine.....great job!

They are each and all spot-on terrific. I don't think you have a problem with the DOF on #1. It looks great. I agree that it would look incredible printed BIG.

The flash balance in those where you said you used it looks good. No carppy flash induced shadows. I am also glad to see you are getting good results with the blue gels. Just a really nice job all round.

I have looked for something to nit pick. Like finding a needle in a hay stack here. On #4 you have a partial of his left hand. Had his hand been at her waist you would have gotten it all. I would have no problem printing that image.....only offering that teensy bit of C&C....as you have really left nothing else here to chance.

They are gonna love em.<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_i1031" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="" style='width:11.25pt;height:11.25pt'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\Elaine\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image001.gif" o:href="http://s3.amazonaws.com/advrider/icon10.gif"/&gt; </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]-->:D<!--[endif]-->

Thank you, Jeff. I agree about his hand. I’ve decided not to let it bug me and just make it something to look out for next time.
Thanks for the encouragement!
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Agnieszka wrote:

Very, very nice set Elaine!!!! <!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_i1032" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="" style='width:15pt;height:21.75pt'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\Elaine\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image004.gif" o:href="http://www.dgrin.com/images/smilies/iloveyou.gif"/&gt; </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6029383/emoji/iloveyou.gif&quot; border="0" alt="" ><!--[endif]-->I just have a remark for #3; dad looks bit uncomfortable (or maybe I just don't think it's a masculine pose? - not sure)

Fun set <!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_i1033" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="" style='width:18.75pt;height:13.5pt'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\Elaine\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image002.gif" o:href="http://www.dgrin.com/images/smilies/thumb.gif"/&gt; </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6029383/emoji/thumb.gif&quot; border="0" alt="" ><!--[endif]-->

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Thanks, Angie! Yes, I know what you mean in #3. He had been slightly more relaxed, with his feet extended (kinda matching his daughter on the other side), but the boulder was cutting off his feet completely and it looked even more strange (I thought). So, I asked him to pull his feet a bit closer to him and that made him look like he’s sitting perfectly straight (and a bit feminine?). I wish I’d asked him to put his arm around his wife’s waist or something…that might have helped. Even better, I could have switched him with his daughter, or chosen a different boulder! Ahh well… live and learn!

sweet caroline

The mom leaning in towards her family doesn't bother me a bit in #2. They all look like they actually like eachother! I kind of like the curve of the brook, as well.

I'm not seeing too much red either. I tend to like warm light for families and kids.

Elaine

sweet caroline wrote:

The mom leaning in towards her family doesn't bother me a bit in #2. They all look like they actually like eachother! I kind of like the curve of the brook, as well.

I'm not seeing too much red either. I tend to like warm light for families and kids.

Thanks, Caroline! This family was so great...they actually do like each other! The kids were very cooperative and had wonderful attitudes.
I think #4 is warmer than the others because of the early evening light that was a bit more direct there, but I'd rather have things a bit warm than too blue as well.