Cute couple, crap photog ;) - pic heavy

[AKPhotography]

I had my ISO way too hight (400 for mid day) so the grain is horrible :(:( I need to work on my exposure BAD. I thought I was ok, but apparently not. I had the hardest time getting my exposure right. Time for some practice!

CC more than welcome. Espec on color casts. I'm trying to figure out my monitor. TIA

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5 my FAV, fav of the day! Check out my flare!


6 - the color on this one and the next looks the best... do the others just suck b/c i didn't get proper exposure??


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13 - know there are some blowouts :/

[PhotosbyHollyWood]

I see some good photos in there...

the exposure was a bit rough but in time that will come to you...

I do see the need for some fill flash OR a reflector to kick some light on their faces... lots of raccoon eyes going on!

[kdloftis]

If I absolutely have to shoot in the middle of the day I try to find a nice shady spot when possible, especially for the tight shots. Subject AND camera in the shade will help eliminate the shadows, fix the exposure and give you more to work with. If I can't do the shots in the shade then I use the flash to try to compensate for some of the shadows.

Hope this helps!

[Wes]

Yeah, exposure is a bit rough in a few places but I see a bigger problem in focusing. Too many of these images appear to be very soft.

[AKPhotography]

Thank so much for yalls feed back. I have been trying to work on my focus using the back button focus, biggest problem I have is actually remembering to change the focal point! I need to work on that more.

Also have a huge problem remembering to check where the "spot" is I am metering when using spot metering. Need to work on this as well.

That you Holly and Kelly for suggestions on how to brigthten up their faces. It was too bright for them to be in the sun, but no enough light to be in the shade (though again, I need to work on exposure). I need to invest in a flash, I only have onboard right now and can't afford to get an external yet.

Thanks again! :)

[PhotosbyHollyWood]

pop-up flash is a hassle but there are fixes for that... all for about 25.00

PUFFER click here to see

not sure how well it works but it looks benificial!! be sure to watch the video! also Reflctors make great tools, they run about 25.00 and up this will allow you to shoot in the shade yet kick some light in to help with exposure!... you made need to find a helper when it comes to the reflector!


good luck .. and most important HAVE FUN!

[AKPhotography]

I've heard about the puffer and might have to try that in the meantime. I have heard from some people that use it that they like the output from it.

my helper = my husband! haha I don't think he'll want to go on every shoot, but he came in handy on this one. I used him to hop on his back to get some of the angles. He thought I was crazy. :)

[AllenAyres]

A reflector and a step ladder will help a lot and you can get both for about $40

Nice images, but I agree with Wes that the bigger problem is focus.

[Roadrnr]

I agree, the putting subjects in the shade during harsh mid day sun will help. Also watch for busy backgrounds.

One thing you can do is invest $75 in a Vivitar Flash and either some cheap Ebay triggers ($20) or a PC cord for the Vivitar. Then, turn your husband into a light stand :) The flash is 100% manual, but with a little practice you will get used to using it.

Also, get a reflector so you can fill in the shadowy eyes. Even if you use a car shade or foam core from Home Depot. There are many ways to get good results, even on the cheap!

[AKPhotography]

Awesome recs! Thanks!! I remeber hearing about using a car shade for a reflector. I'll have to try that! I <3 this board.

Originally Posted by Roadrnr

I agree, the putting subjects in the shade during harsh mid day sun will help. Also watch for busy backgrounds.

One thing you can do is invest $75 in a Vivitar Flash and either some cheap Ebay triggers ($20) or a PC cord for the Vivitar. Then, turn your husband into a light stand :) The flash is 100% manual, but with a little practice you will get used to using it.

Also, get a reflector so you can fill in the shadowy eyes. Even if you use a car shade or foam core from Home Depot. There are many ways to get good results, even on the cheap!

[TxManx]

Allie -

Did you shoot in RAW or JPG?

RAW is a beginner's best friend, as a lot of what you mess up can be recovered in regards to exposure, white balance, color shifts, etc...

Good job on the posing... only concern I'd have is the one with the swing where his face is dissected by the chain... remedy would be to either reduce DOF so he's blurred out more, or ask him to step to the side after pushing her forward...

:)

[AKPhotography]

I shoot jpeg b/c I don't have a raw processing program... and can't get one for a while (same situation with flash... $$).

hah, I loved his face in that one, but wish he wouldn't have been hidden by the chain : /

Thanks for the feedback!

Originally Posted by TxManx

Allie -

Did you shoot in RAW or JPG?

RAW is a beginner's best friend, as a lot of what you mess up can be recovered in regards to exposure, white balance, color shifts, etc...

Good job on the posing... only concern I'd have is the one with the swing where his face is dissected by the chain... remedy would be to either reduce DOF so he's blurred out more, or ask him to step to the side after pushing her forward...

:)

[CFord]

Originally Posted by AKPhotography

I shoot jpeg b/c I don't have a raw processing program... and can't get one for a while (same situation with flash... $$).

hah, I loved his face in that one, but wish he wouldn't have been hidden by the chain : /

Thanks for the feedback!

Your Sony camera should have come with the Sony IDC conversion software. It may be a little slow but it is effective and does allow you to apply all the settings your camera can do in camera to your jpegs to the output ARW files when you convert them. It also allows for some basic image editing functions.

[abril1127]

I got a RV window reflector and sewed some shiny gold fabric to it....although I didn't realize reflectors were so cheap....the local camera store has them for like $135.

[toverman]

As for reflectors, I'd recommend getting one of those 5-in-1 kits that includes a diffusing screen. Your "helper" could put that between the sun and your subjects and emulate even shade (small reflector means you're best off doing 3/4 or headshots, not full length).

Focus is the biggest issue for me with these. Also watch for backgrounds that take away from your subjects, as the white house is distracting. Another note, and this is one about equipment. I don't know much about your camera, but if noise is an issue at ISO 400 in broad daylight, it might be time for an upgrade. A quality, fast lens in a portrait focal length (around 85 mm or so) would also do wonders.