Jaycee

[Jules]

opinions?

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f290/julia0406/IMG_0853Jaycee-1.jpg

I'm new to this forum, Jules here.

[Marko]

Hey Jules,

Welcome! This is a cute shot of a kid being told to say cheese.

But if you look closely at the face - it is sooo bright. This is the effect of direct flash. By either bouncing the flash or taking it off camera you can achieve a better portrait that is less harsh.

what camera/flash are you using?

hope that helps!
marko

[Jules]

Marko, you are spot on man.

i did say SMILE.

i see what you're saying about the flash. a good friend of mine keeps telling me to bounce the flash. i'm new and learning and can't wait to learn more.

im using a Rebel XT.

[Marko]

Perfect then it's a DSLR.
DSLR or SLRs are GREAT for learning because you can control aperture, shutter speed, film speed and you can change lenses.

The flash that comes with the camera is far INFERIOR on many levels to a portable that you attach to the hotshoe. Save a few pennies or look on ebay for a flash for your camera.

It's ESSENTIAL for bringing your photography up a level or 2. With a portable flash you can bounce it or take it off camera for much more creative lighting.

Best!

marko

[tegan]

Welcome to the forum. I find that one weakness in the portraits of females by many men and this includes even otherwise good pros is that they do not pay attention to hair. My mother who was an excellent photographer taught me not to overlook hair.

At the very least even in the portrait of child, the hair should be kept out of the eyes and not distract the viewer's attention. :)

Tegan

[Jules]

Thanks a lot Marko!

I've been looking to upgrade the lens as well. So I'll add the flash to the list! I can't wait to get all I need to help in the shots--I'm sure that's an ongoing process though.

[Jules]

Welcome to the forum. I find that one weakness in the portraits of females by many men and this includes even otherwise good pros is that they do not pay attention to hair. My mother who was an excellent photographer taught me not to overlook hair.

At the very least even in the portrait of child, the hair should be kept out of the eyes and not distract the viewer's attention. :)

Tegan

Thanks Tegan.

My mother lives in another state and I'm constantly hounded about keeping her hair out of her eyes. And you're both right. Her pins don't stay in for too long, and this wasn't a planned thing. But I guess all pics should be taken for that purpose if one wants to learn with every shot.

Thanks again. :)