First Baby Portraits

[KMariePhoto]

I'm only posting one, because that's the only one I really liked. This is the first time to do newborn, and it was a very weird situation. I nanny four kids and this is their new baby sister, but the kids all hate me so they were trying to jump in and cover her and hide her from me. I only got maybe 10 shots before the mom said never mind, but I'm putting the best one on here.

[sheribeari]

adorable :o)

[Karebear98]

The kids all hate you and the mom said nevermind? lol That sounds like a terrible situation. The mom needs to get a hold of her stinkin' little bratty tater tots! lol It's a very cute pic though. a different angle I don't usually see. Newborn sessions need to be as stress free as possible.

[KMariePhoto]

I know, I tried to explain to her that it'd be best if the kids weren't home yet when we did, but that's pretty hard to accomplish. I've known this family since before there were kids, and as sweet as she is her kids are MEAN! And way too smart for their own good! I'm hoping to try again next week in the morning while most of the kids are in school and I'll post those too!

[ChristopherCoy]

While babies are always adorable, it is severely underexposed, at least from what I am seeing. And its also rather harsh lighting. The eyes appear 'dead', and lack normal reflections.

[KMariePhoto]

Chris,
Thanks for saying that, my computer screen, I've noticed, shows things brighter than on other peoples screens. The lighting looks exactly how I wanted it on my side, but I know it's likely darker for others to see. I intended it to be dramatic lighting, but I did work on her eyes they were black and I brightened them up and everything. I thought they looked great, but again I'm seeing something a little different from what you are seeing.

[Karebear98]

I get "documentary" and "editorial" feels from it. I think it's a nice way to go but it just depends on tastes and style.

[karakelian]

In my opinion it is difficult to get a good newborn shot when they are on their stomach, unless they are propped. Try a different angle, on the back or side.

[KMariePhoto]

Originally Posted by karakelian

In my opinion it is difficult to get a good newborn shot when they are on their stomach, unless they are propped. Try a different angle, on the back or side.

Thanks for the ideas! It was my first try at it and I definitely need to improve! I'll try that next time. :)

[karakelian]

Originally Posted by KMariePhoto

Thanks for the ideas! It was my first try at it and I definitely need to improve! I'll try that next time. :)

We all have to start somewhere :)

[reader0428]

I agree that the eyes need more light and the skin could be brighter; try working your conversion a bit more. I always try to make sure that my subjects have nice catchlights in their eyes before I start snapping away. Sometimes this is just a matter of which direction they are looking (which, of course, you can't really control with a newborn, so you just have to make sure that wherever you are positioning them, they have light in their eyes).

[ngoduyviet]

Originally Posted by KMariePhoto

Chris,
Thanks for saying that, my computer screen, I've noticed, shows things brighter than on other peoples screens. The lighting looks exactly how I wanted it on my side, but I know it's likely darker for others to see. I intended it to be dramatic lighting, but I did work on her eyes they were black and I brightened them up and everything. I thought they looked great, but again I'm seeing something a little different from what you are seeing.

First thing first, get a calibrator for your monitor. Cheap one sells for about $100, or get a used one for around 70 or so. Once you get this done, at least you'd know when your shot is over or under.

On my calibrated screen, you shot is way under at least one stop.

[bryanlindsey]

Huh, interesting feedback.

I, for one, like the shot as is. A little underexposed, sure, but it adds to the feel of the image so I do not see that as a problem. Harsh light? Totally disagree, I think the light is fine. No catchlights? Really? This isn't a professional contest entry, so no big deal.

My only proposed change would be to try a square crop. It would cut out some hair, cut out some blanket, and focus in on the face.

FWIW

[KMariePhoto]

Originally Posted by bryanlindsey

Huh, interesting feedback.

I, for one, like the shot as is. A little underexposed, sure, but it adds to the feel of the image so I do not see that as a problem. Harsh light? Totally disagree, I think the light is fine. No catchlights? Really? This isn't a professional contest entry, so no big deal.

My only proposed change would be to try a square crop. It would cut out some hair, cut out some blanket, and focus in on the face.

FWIW

Thanks! I was trying to get a certain feel to my picture, and I felt I accomplished it. But hearing the more nitpicky comments help me know what to watch for when I do my next shoot. I'll try the square crop and see how it looks! :)

[ngoduyviet]

Originally Posted by bryanlindsey

Huh, interesting feedback.

I, for one, like the shot as is. A little underexposed, sure, but it adds to the feel of the image so I do not see that as a problem. Harsh light? Totally disagree, I think the light is fine. No catchlights? Really? This isn't a professional contest entry, so no big deal.

My only proposed change would be to try a square crop. It would cut out some hair, cut out some blanket, and focus in on the face.

FWIW

The image is under exposed at least one stop. If it was brought up to the right exposure, the lighting ratio between the face & the blanket would make it harsh. This is purely from a technical point of view and not artistically.