How to improve this photo

[Jaydandy]

Hello

I have a renewed interest in photography. How could I have improved this photo. What kind of lighting equipment do I need to start.

Thank you for your comments.

[Ahh!]

Before investing in equipment, ask yourself what it is that you do not like in this image. Hint: There are two shadows falling on the face. Understandably, the subject doesn't tend to stay still.

[Jaydandy]

I like the composition. I would like to have been able to add light with a deflector or off camera flash to soften the shadow falling across his face. Currently I have a D50 and SB 400. Being able to direct light with a deflector will be the quickest way to improve, I just need to learn, practice and seek advice. With this subject the best I could do was out run him, turn and shoot.

[Ahh!]

Originally Posted by Jaydandy

I like the composition...

Agreed. Oh, you could crop (and would have to for certain paper sizes), but the gate provides perspective and framing.

Originally Posted by Jaydandy

...I would like to have been able to add light with a deflector or off camera flash to soften the shadow falling across his face...

Good. Either would have helped when you are trying to compensate for harsh direct light.

Originally Posted by Jaydandy

...Currently I have a D50 and SB 400...

There are good tools right there. Experiment with TTL or BL-TTL, even in sunlight to see if you can fill in the shadows. If you try setting the camera to manual exposure, say about -2/3 of a stop below the meter, and let the flash fill in with TTL, you may have a place to begin.

Originally Posted by Jaydandy

..Being able to direct light with a deflector will be the quickest way to improve, I just need to learn, practice and seek advice...

And, yes, a reflector is good, but when your subject is on the run, you'll need another pair of hands and a lot of patience.

Originally Posted by Jaydandy

...With this subject the best I could do was out run him, turn and shoot.

Let me be tactful here. If you are seeking to improve, you need to eliminate anything that smacks as an excuse for how things came out, and ask what you can do about it. What can you do with a bundle of energy to direct him towards the scene? You set up situations and direct their attention so they will naturally react facing the camera. The pros use tripods and remotes to preposition the camera. Then they create a situation and direct the subject into it so that when they enter the subject area of the camera, they are facing it. For example, place a bike in the scene and position the child in the background so he is walking towards the camera when he encounters it. Sounds simple! It is not. But it helps you move away from taking pictures and making pictures.

[Jaydandy]

Just the kind of advice I was looking for. Thank you

[ElanR]

A little fill light from your onboard flash is all that's really needed to correct this shot. If you have a larger aperture lens, you could open it up a bit to blur the background another notch or two. It's not such a bad shot as is, but these two changes would make it better.

[Jaydandy]

Thank you

[paul48503]

Moving closer to the subject and using a Clear Lightsphere works great.

[toverman]

Putting your subject in more even lighting (big enough so he can move) is even better ... shade is great. If he is extremely active, taking time to meticulously set up lights will be a wash. On-camera flash for fill or a limber assistant holding a reflector might work, too.

[TimmyTheTag]

Great advice here that I can use too! I have a 20 month old boy and this fits the bill and gives me more ideas to learn with. As a hobbiest, it's awesome when the pros/experienced share their wisdom with us...Thanks!

[blessings]

try use a bounce card with your sb400. it gives soft light on your kids face and help eliminate the shadow/ or soften it.
i got a white bounce card which i can velco it on my sb600. and be'cos my kids are 'cameraphobia' sometimes, i put a small clip with elmo's smiling face on it to attrack them... it works... just i got to change to other funny clips once they lose their interest on it...

[VincentHerrera]

Moving in toward the flower would help, and a larger aperture might give you more of the classic "macro" feel.