Dissappointed in photos

[kat]

So I had a hockey friend request to do her family portrait to send out with their family cards.

I did them yesterday..started looking today and I don't even like one shot.

I have no idea what to do..

Just can't get over how bad they look and why?

What should I do? I wasn't charging her but I hate to give this away as my work when I know I can do so much better... to make it worse..I can't reshoot because it was requested last minute and they are to be printed this evening...

:cry-an:

[Iguanasan]

I'm sure your standards are much higher than theirs. Pick the best of the bunch that you can live with and offer them up suggesting that maybe they'd like a round two after Christmas?

[Bambi]

I agree with Iggy. as long as the kids look cute they will be okay with them. why not post some here and maybe you can get some suggestions?

[kat]

Here is a couple I sent them.

I'll post then tell you what I had a hard time with.

[kat]

In this photo..the boy is slightly out of focus. The lighting was three bulbs above my head (low luminance) and my flash that ran out of battery (had the wrong kind with me) and I lost the battle with it. I wasn't able to shoot at a low f-stop..that may have soemthing to do with it but saying that..wouldn't the man be out of focus as well?

[kat]

[kat]

Glare on faces!!!! When I shoot portraits..99% of the time they are outdoors, cloudy days, shade, evening/morning shots.

How would it been best to handle this harsh light..but not loose it as it was my only light?

Oh..and this has had some work on the faces done..I just couldn't do anymore....

[kat]

Ok. To recap.

Harsh light and how to soften it, specially on faces (nose, chins).
Eye glasses!!! Anyway to work with them or you get what you get?
How to get those sharp photos, low light with people.

How to get four people smiling, eyes open all at the same time for at least one out of 10 shots!!!!

[Iguanasan]

If they got these for free, they'll be happy with them. For your own peace of mind I would offer the re-shoot. After you've had a chance to understand how to fix the things that are driving you crazy.

1) I'd recommend a remote shutter release. You can kinda tell that everyone is looking at you, the photographer, as you look through the viewfinder. Ideally, you might want to consider setting up the shot using a tripod and then pull your face away from the camera and engage them in conversation while you shoot away getting the right smiles and eyes open. They'll also feel more relaxed.

2) You can get little flashbox/diffuser for the Nikon that would help soften the harsh flash - Amazon.com: Janco Flash Softbox Diffuser for the Nikon D100, D200, D40, D300, D700, D40x, D50, D70 , D80, D90 & D60 Digital Cameras: Camera & Photo

3) Out of focus I think is due to motion blur. What shutter speed were you using?

4) Don't be afraid to move a lamp from another room to brighten the "studio" that you are in.

[Marko]

Not sure how many you need Kat - Just 1, 2 3?

Portraits are hard work for sure:

here goes my thoughts...
Shot 1 is decent expression-wise.
Shot 2 is better expression-wise but the boy is softish
Shot 3 - B/w has too weird of a treatment for me and dad's forehead is blown..If it's not totally clipped, I would try to rework this. Expressions here are the best so far (between 1-3)
Shot 4 - My least fave based on the overall pose. Still, the kids are smiling and look cute.

If this were mine I'd try to rework #3, If I could not, I'd try to save (sharpen more) the boy's soft side of his face in shot 2. If I could not, I'd submit #1.

For some of your questions...
- For softening - If I use flash I normally bounce...If studio - umbrellas or softbox....In your case I would have tried windowlight if the flash had died on some shots.
- Eyeglasses - can be repositioned slightly to see if it helps, alter head position slightly to see if that helps...move light to see if it helps -
- Sharp photos low light....how low can u go? not that low unless u got tripod or a kick-butt stabilization lens. For shots like this you'll want F5.6 -F.8 on the longer lenses to get enough D.O.F. on the faces. What was your aperture?
- Shoot at least 3-6 shots of every pose...try talking to them, making them laugh. occasionally check...occasionally. and check fast..

added after - exif data on these would be helpful - iggy's cable release suggestion rocks!


Hope that helps - Marko