Family Session - Building Portfolio continued...

[Sonny]

Like the title says, I'm building a portfolio and would like to get some C&C.
Thanks.

[bryanlindsey]

The last 3 are very nice. Good comp and great PP choice.

Watch the cut-off feet in the others. Also the background's a little "meh" IMHO.

Hope this helps!

[Contemporary Clicks]

I'm in agreeance with Bryan about cutting off the feet. Same rule for arms for that matter!

Other than that, they look great. Good luck building your portfolio, and most importantly, have fun : )

[Kym Kilcrease]

Very good job... #1 looks like dad does not like mom anymore after 5 kiddos...

[klynam]

First of all, big families can be TOUGH so you got my vote there! And what you're working toward with DOF is also commendable.

As for chopping off feet, if you have to chop the 'guideline' is never cut/crop across a joint and you didn't do that. Even so, it's working better for you in no.2 than no.1.

Your biggest challenge in no.1 / no.2 is a lot like real estate: location, location, location. Or more specifically: background, background, background. Locations that impress in person often don't translate well to portrait backgrounds; and trees can be especially challenging.

Image no.1 - The background right around the parents head looks okay. The trees coming out of the kids heads, not so nice. Image no.2 - kids are a little better but the dad has a tree growing out of him.

The backgrounds in 3,4,5 are much better. Note how the backgrounds of 3/4 are not distracting at all, and the background of no.5 compliments your subject/setting.

No.4 and no.5 are my favorites of your group...

Keep up the good work !!!

[Sonny]

Originally Posted by klynam

First of all, big families can be TOUGH so you got my vote there! And what you're working toward with DOF is also commendable.

As for chopping off feet, if you have to chop the 'guideline' is never cut/crop across a joint and you didn't do that. Even so, it's working better for you in no.2 than no.1.

Your biggest challenge in no.1 / no.2 is a lot like real estate: location, location, location. Or more specifically: background, background, background. Locations that impress in person often don't translate well to portrait backgrounds; and trees can be especially challenging.

Image no.1 - The background right around the parents head looks okay. The trees coming out of the kids heads, not so nice. Image no.2 - kids are a little better but the dad has a tree growing out of him.

The backgrounds in 3,4,5 are much better. Note how the backgrounds of 3/4 are not distracting at all, and the background of no.5 compliments your subject/setting.

No.4 and no.5 are my favorites of your group...

Keep up the good work !!!

Kevin - This is a great critique! I really appreciate you taking time to review my photos!!

You are dead on about impressive backgrounds not vibing with portrait photography. The trees at this location were beautiful because they created a natural arch along the entire path. Initially I thought I was going to hit a home run. The photos are not terrible, but the trees are distracting.

Next time around I'll pay more attention to cropping limbs. I have another large family shoot very soon. It will be a group of nine plus a dog. Thanks again.




Bryan - Thank you. My post processing is something I've been work hard at.


Hayley - Thank you. Just getting out there and "takin pictures" is fun.

Kym - Thank you. Daddy is the one who wants more kids. Mommy wants to take a break.




I know there moms and dads on this forum and I would love to hear your thoughts as such. If this was your family photo, what do you like, not like, or want to change?

Keep the feedback coming.