Looking for advice on picture...

[kimberley]

First time using a backdrop, no lights only available window light and 2 yard black fleece tacked up on the wall. Looking to buy some lights. Want everyones 2 cents on this one, this is my oldest daughter.

Also, Abel thanks for finding me and sending me this site, it is great nice work!!

Kimberley

[bburton]

A big hearty welcome to the Forum :D

[Xposure Photo]

Hi Kim!

If you want to know about how to use lighting and the diferent types, etc. you may want to sign up on the class comming up in Houston on the 12th of June, it is on the Houston side...here is the thread link
http://www.texasphotoforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=4039

also you will be able to use them and see the diference.

[Bill Huber]

I do thing you forgot something... but I won't hold that against you.... :lol:

On the lights, there are many different ways to go.

If you want to go pro then you need something good that will stand up to the work a day work of pros. You can be talking thousands of dollars.

If you want something in the middle and have the money I have heard nothing but great things about the Alien Bees, there are some users here that have them, For around $600 you can have a very nice setup

http://www.alienbees.com/packages.html

Now if you want to get in cheap and just use them now and then you can get 2 floods, hair light boom, 3 stands, 2 umbrellas and a nice case for less then $250. The Smith Victor KT900 kit very good started kit.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...80810?v=glance

That is my 2 cents....

[kimberley]

I cant figure out how to post the stinking picture on here, I shrunk it down now the thing is huge, Im so confused.......

[bburton]

Originally Posted by kimberley

I cant figure out how to post the stinking picture on here, I shrunk it down now the thing is huge, Im so confused.......

Resize your picture to 640x480 (may need to resharpen); then use the "Attachment" function of the Forum to upload your pic. Before "Submit", use "Preview" to make sure all's O.K.

You can do it. :)

[kimberley]

Hope I get it right this time..Thanks for being patient guys

[kimberley]

Ya'll are getting a big o'laugh outta this

<---not too puter savy, but getting there, with your help of coarse

Kimberley

[bburton]

Congratulations! Now that you've got the hang of it; keep postin away.

Now, for the picture: I'm not a portrait person; others far more qualified on this forum can give you excellent advice--you'll soon learn who they are. :)

But IMHO; I like the pose; the eyes are great; the background is fine; good sharpness. Just a little "blown out" on the right side of the photo. Probably easily fixable in PS. Fine overall work, however. Remember: I don't know what I'm talking about. :D Just some rookie obervations.

[kimberley]

Thanks for the advice, can you explain what you ment by "blown out"....

Kimberley

[bburton]

Originally Posted by kimberley

Thanks for the advice, can you explain what you ment by "blown out"....Kimberley

As I understand, it's referring to the areas of a photo which are overexposed and from which details cannot easily be recovered in post processing, so control of lighting and exposure beforehand to eliminate this are important: bounce flash instead of direct, etc.

However, I've already told you more than I know; it's time to call in the Cavalry

[markperez]

my personal opinion that I like the lighting (even though it is blown out on the left side of her face). The part that I don't like is her eyes seem to far up into her head. Maybe bring the camera down a little more so she isn't looking up as much. Also I like would like to see her smile because I have never really liked pictures where the lady is frowning. These are just personal preferences.

[kimberley]

Thanks for the advice, Im still tring to figure out "blown out"......I took this in my bedroom, with light from a window on her right, of my daughter, whom didnt want to smile, she wanted a serious picture she said, she is only 12, so she is always serious, and I was squatting on the floor eye level with her....I will try the advice youve given, I know I need more lighting or even a flash, saving up for those things....

Kimberley

[markperez]

blown out just means areas that are over exposed like bruce said. The left side of her face (right side of the picture) is blown out. In a way that I think of it (and people can correct me) to much light was getting to the camera from that area compared to the other parts of the picture.
BTW you might want to post this in the people section to get some better advice then what I can give.

[LoungeLizard]

Kimberly, you did great. That's a really nice photo of your daughter.

As far as smiling, at least you get her to pose. Lord help me if I'm seen taking a photo of my 13 year old daughter! It's like her friends will never talk to her again!