I'll introduce myself here and share a photo

~Jan~

Hello all, I'm a newbie, and since I primarily like to photograph people, so I thought I'd introduce myself here. I am guessing this is the forum I'll spend the most time in.

I purchased my first DSLR in November of '06, and it wasn't until that time that I really started to get interested in photography. My goal at the time was to eliminate the need for "professional" portraits of my son and to take his yearly pics myself. I am realizing there is SO much to learn, and SO much money to be spent. I'm quite overwhelmed, actually. I'm hoping browsing and posting here will help!

Here's a photo I took this week. Let me know what you think. I think it's one of my better photos, but obviously as a newbie the only direction to go is up, right? What could I have done to improve this photo? By the way, that's my son, Evan, who will be 3 next weekend. He'd just been running through the sprinkler. ISO 100, f 1.8, 1/1600

Seneca

First of all...Evan is a cutie...

Secondly...as far as the picture...I think you did a good job. What did you have you camera set on? I do think the picture is a little too yellow. But then again I'm using my kitchen computer...the better one is in my husband's office.

And Lastly...Welcome...you'll love this place...I've been here a year now and look how many times I've commented...over 1,000 times. This place can get a little addictive.

~Jan~

Oops! Sorry I should've included the camera settings. I'll edit to add them.

ShepsMom

Hi Jan and welcome to the madness!! I'm not so much into people photgraphy, here and there i'll post one of my crerations, but it's a fun place to learn and have fun. I like the shot, and i agree with a little yellow tint, and also, croping little tighter left portion of the shot will even it out. Post some more!!!

adpace

Welcome! I just wanted to say that you sound very much like me! I got a DSLR for Christmas and ever since it's sparked a real joy within me! I have a LOT to learn as well.

Evan is CUTE!! Great photo, I really do love it!

saurora

Welcome to the forum! This is a great shot and I would say you are well on your way to meeting your goal to producing quality photographs of Evan. He is adorable and makes for a great subject! Here is a link to a tutorial on how to achieve pleasing skin tones. This is probably the toughest hurdle for most of us to overcome. You don't mention the processing software you use, but if you use Photoshop this tute is helpful. You do have room to adjust some yellow. I think the crop is very pleasing as is. The biggest problem would be the exposure on the hat which is blown. Next time you shoot this type of shot, you might want to consider using a little fill flash on the face which will keep you from having to open your lens up so wide and blowing out your background. Most importantly have fun and post lots of pictures of the cute little guy!

~Jan~

Thanks for the warm welcome, everyone! I do see what you mean by too much yellow. Also, the hat is blown, but if I darken it then the face is too dark. I use Photoshop Elements 5.0. I'd love to have the full-blown version, but as of now I just can't justify the expense. Elements serves my purpose for now.

Cuties02q

Hi and welcome....I love the picture what a cutie

urbanaries

First of all, evan is a great subject! This is an amazing shot, I just love the colors, especially the green in the bg. I am also a sucker for water and skin...something about it is so pleasing to my eye! I also love the natural light quality of shadows on his face, even if the hat is blown a bit. For f1.8 the image is really sharp (what lens did you use?), you could have stopped down a bit though if you were at 1/1600?

I do think a closer crop on the right side would be a good idea.

Oh and welcome to Dgrin!

lynnma

Welcome Jan!!

Elaine

Welcome to DGrin! Thanks for sharing your very cute shot!! I don't really mind that the hat is a bit blown...the eyes draw me right in. Very nice!

Awais Yaqub

Very cute
Welcome to the Jungle. Keep posting

gfxartist

Welcome Jan! Even though the highlights are a little blown on the hat I agree w/ Elaine - his eyes draw you in. Love his super curly eyelashes and the water droplets on his face.

gluwater

The hat looks fine. If it wasn't blown then the face would be completely underexposed. The yellow cast to the face looks like it is being caused by the hat, I don't think it is a big deal. Great shot of your son, I hope we get to see a lot more. Welcome to the forum, it's good to have another Illinoisan here.