Dissappointed in photos

[Marko]

Another general rule - outdoor shooting is way easier than indoor shooting...
....and also makes for festive holiday shots. Choose a soft cloudy day or shoot near a shaded tree for ease.

[kat]

Thanks!
I know right now half my problem was I got there..had 2 mins to get camera out of bag and start shooting cause we had to leave for hockey in 30 mins.

Just too rushed.

I don't have any studio gear what so ever. Which makes it hard as well..I want that studio feel but I know i can't get it without more equipment and a better lens.

I have the bw shot in color and he's not blown out. I think that will be the one.

[Marko]

Glad you found one you like - it just takes one!

You can do a lot with just on camera flash if it is bounced but you need the head to be able to move in different directions for best results. I don't recall if you have this gear but it should be on your must have list for casual location portraits.

The name brands will likely set you back 5-6 hundred new...try used.

3rd party dedicated flashes are much cheaper and also a good bet.
Hope that helps - marko

[kat]

Thank you!

Time for the lottery to get my numbers right!!! It's getting pretty frustrating to know I'm at a certain point in my photography..want to move up but now it comes down to money.

Going to take a break..and come back.

[Mad Aussie]

Don't have time this morning to read through the text I'm afraid so apologies for repeating what others have said.

You are definitely picky Kat. These people aren't photographic critique experts and I'm sure what you've come up with is well beyond their capabilities. I'm sure they understand that without the studio lighting etc they weren't going to get perfection but from I see they are getting very good anyhow.

Pick the best ... maybe give them two versions of some that could do with some background distraction work and stop worrying.

And the reason dad is sharp and son is not ... son moved ... not you The slow shutter makes that more obvious ... obviously


I've seen you do some awesome work with ambient light too Kat ... don't write off the value you have there either.

[DonW]

Id like to add dont be afraid of your pop up flash. In a pinch you can be creative with index cards and paper used as diffusers and bounce cards. Plain white paper rolled over the flash helps alot with overhead light issues.

Don

[EJC]

Don't back down because of equipment Kat!!!

Look for DIY light modifiers on youtube and flickr. I took some flexible rods from a golf pitching target (a small tent like thing) and a white sheet from the Sally Ann Thrift store and made 2 collapsible diffusers. White foam board, 2 sided tape and aluminium foil makes a reflector. The hardware store sells heat lamp assemblies with a tin reflector dish and built in clamp. Replace the red bulb with a 100 or 150 watt bulb or the brightest energy saver fluorescent bulbs. Put a 2x2 into an empty 4 litre paint can and pack sand or gravel around it and clamp the light to that. You have a portable, adjustable light stand. All this is cheap or you already own it. It ain't pretty but you can practise with it and get some good shots.

Ebay has some cheap remote flash triggers and Vivitar 283 or 285 flashes can be inexpensive too. You can create your own strobist set up. You have to be careful with some 3rd party flashes. Their trigger voltage could damage your camera if you mount it directly. That's why I use the remote triggers and I can use the flash anywhere I want to put it.

Here are the light modifiers I made. Sorry for the weird light. There is fluorescent, incandescent and Xmas tree LEDs lighting this one.

[kat]

Thank you! I've made my own reflector but never the lights! I will get my hubby to read this and have hime put that together..even if it's downstairs to get used to it!

I have a flash that does come off but have no understanding of it yet nor the abilty to take it off..so that will be a purchase soon..same with a remote for my camera!

I think it's time to buy a book on lighting!

[DonW]

Winter is a great time to learn lighting. Strobist is a good site also check out youtube strobist videos. Bert Stephani has some real good ones.

Don

[kat]

Winter is a great time to learn lighting. Strobist is a good site also check out youtube strobist videos. Bert Stephani has some real good ones.

Don

Thankyou!


So I've notified them that I would love to do a reshoot but outside. They have a lovely house with a dock and little ice rink..thought that would be a great set up for some photos. Not to sure if they will take the offer up..but we'll see.

Now to move on as I've been asked to do a shoot for another family this weekend. They are all game to head down to the beach and have fun..although our lake is frozen over so you won't see much water..

Now going through poses..although they are hard to find for four people..which now brings on my next question.. a good posing book?