First Senior Photos

[princer7]

Had a great opportunity to work on an outdoor challenge. CC welcome... this was my first attempt. These are the first group that I have pulled off the card. Lighting was with an Alien Bee 800 with an FTX Lighting Beauty Dish. Cheetah C Stand with boom arm was used to mount the light.


IMG_6812-Edit.jpg by princer7, on Flickr


IMG_6752-Edit.jpg by princer7, on Flickr


IMG_6725-Edit.jpg by princer7, on Flickr

[auddii]

I like these, although on the last one you look a little lower than your subject, and since he's looking down his eyes are almost closed. If you were a little higher than him, that would help since he'd have to look up.

[princer7]

Thank you, Audrey. I really wish his eyes appear more open, too.

[Fireball]

I agree. That's why I always take a little step stool with me. Of course, I'm vertically challenged so I have to use it more than most.

I think the first one is your best because you've got good lighting with nice catchlights even though I would like to see a bit more of a pose rather than a straight on shot like he's just standing there. You got any sitting down or turned a bit?

[princer7]

A step stool would have been a great idea. Posing people is rather new to me - figuring out the best angle to shoot from is still a challenge. Definitely need to work on the eyes, too... when shooting from a low angle, the eyes followed and therefore did not open as they needed to be.

Overall, it was a good experience. The moms helped with what they wanted to see. Evening light was difficult cramming 3 boys together - light changed fast. 1 on 1 would have better but the opportunity was appreciated.

[stephenpinn]

Hi Jennifer, I agree with the others I would also suggest you use a reflector on the ground to get a little light under their chins. If I may ask, what focal length lens were you using? The 3rd picture looks a little distorted as if you were using a wide lens.

Good work!

[princer7]

Thank you, Stephen. I will work on the reflector.

These were all taken with a Canon 24-70mm lens. The last one was shot from a low angle at 43mm with a Canon 50D.

[stephenpinn]

Jennifer to try and minimize distortion (unless that is what you want to do) try and shoot portraits at at least 70mm, Obviously not a rule but helps in compressing backgrounds and keeping facial proportions more natural. I have heard a couple of portrait experts (so the say :)) say that 85mm regardless of crop should be the minimum, the comments were specially about shooting women and maintaining facial proportions, but I think it generally applies.