Multi-generation portrait - background question

[reader0428]

Good morning all! I took this family portrait on Saturday afternoon - we started around 4:30, it was too early to be out in the dappled shade so I started them in this shady area with a really sunny hallway behind. My question is, how objectionable is the bright area in the background? (I will probably remove the pendant light fixtures.) Oh and these photos have had NO retouching yet, just some color adjustments in LR.




I much prefer the environment of this second photo, but it was close to the end of the session and I was not paying quite as careful attention to the posing and details (as you can see by the way grandpa is sitting, the sweater falling off the girl's shoulder...grrr...).



Any other CC would be helpful, particularly from those experienced in working with larger groups...thanks!

[Photogdude]

i like the first one better, the bright bg doesn't bug me, just clean it up and it will
be fine. Also i like the pose with the environment better in that one. i also like the contrast and how the black tops hide the clothing wrinkles.

The pose on the 2nd one with the environment doesn't fit.
also not sure if you did any PP in the 2nd one but something isn't right. probably flare

[Ricco]

Maybe I'm too much of a stickler, but I'm always partial to having the patriarchs standing with everyone grouped by age below them, but in a pinch, they should be seated together and organized somewhat.

I prefer the first pose, but I'm not fond of the background chosen, but like it was said, perhaps it can be cleaned up a bit.

Would love to see the cleaned up version, though.

[Kirk]

The woman in the back-center in #2...I'm pretty sure I work with her, unless this is like a crazy super accurate doppelganger.

Anyway, I actually really like #2. There are some issues like you mentioned, but I think it's pretty strong. The environment doesn't bother me at all. I think it looks cool. I'd choose the second over the first in a heartbeat if it were me.

[reader0428]

Thanks for the comments, guys. Kirk, that is certainly possible. :)

Marshall and Rick, if you wouldn't mind elaborating on what you see that needs to be cleaned up, I'd appreciate it. I have a few things in mind but want to make sure I don't miss anything. Thanks...

[Ricco]

For me, the background is too bright and you miss the details of the arches.

[reader0428]

Yeah, I know - I've already done all the highlight recovery and burning on that area that I can. not sure of much else I can do to improve it - it was SO much brighter back there that it's pretty much all blown out - which I knew would happen - I just wasn't sure how the effect would look. Thought it might be OK with the black shirts providing a stark contrast that would easily be seen against the bright background. I knew it probably wouldn't be my favorite, but it was my starting point.

[Steve Balderrama]

background way too bright for me, thats the first thing the eye goes to. Needs masking and a bunch of burn-down, assuming it's not blown out. You could crop it down a bit too.

[Photogdude]

did you redo the 1st pic from earlier?

[reader0428]

Not yet Marshall, I'm working on the rest of their gallery right now. :)

[carrbowl]

I'm trying to look from mother/family member, not from a photographer's point of view. The first photo is more formal looking. the way people are standing/sitting, and the background. Yes the background is too light, but you can only do so much to make it better. (yeah been there done that...kicking yourself more, won't help, so stop...just learn for next time!!) The second photo is more relaxed because of the setting, and because of the grandparents not seated next to each other (JMO) ...so even though there are a few posing/clothing issues, I don't think they stand out as much. I think it would depend on where the photo was placed. Is it in a formal house/area? Or is it more informal? And do you even have to make the decsion, can you let the family make the decision??

[reader0428]

Thanks for your comment, Renae. I'm planning to show them both. I know the background it bright, but it wasn't highly objectionable to me. (It was better than the other options at that time of day.) I just wanted a reality check to see how much it bothered others. :)

[Ricco]

I'd imagine you need to look at every single person in the shot to make sure everything is in place before you snap the photo.

In this instance, it might be best to have someone else next to you to spot something you may overlook. Friend/assistant/that irritable relative that's NOT going to be in that photo...

[ggeen]

In #1 the background is way too bright. Some cropping might help tough. As soon as I scrolled to the second image I could literally feel my eyes relax. I like the second one better for that reason alone. I also like the ambiance of the second one and I think the framing is better.

[andyz]

Did you shoot RAW where you can lower the exposure and replace the hallway in 1?