After a long hiatus, looking for feedback

[annette71]

Good evening everyone, I have not been on here in quite some time, as I decided to brush up on my skills some, or at least "work on things" I have been at it with my DSLR for a little over a year now and find I still struggle with lighting and sometimes focus. I think my strong point is portraits and up until now have really only shot my kids and grandkids. I could really use some tips and constructive criticism as well. So for now, A couple of a shoot I did with my granddaughter Lucy.

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Nikon D5200
50mm F/1.8
ISO 500

[AlwaysOnAuto]

Have you read the tutorial on portraits here on CiC Annette?
I found lots of good info there when it comes to 'how to shoot it'.
Cute granddaughter you have there.

[annette71]

Alan, I have a while back,but I have been away a while. Just finding my way around the site again. Thank you, she is a little sweetheart!

[NorthernFocus]

Hi, Annette. I generally don't shoot people so don't have much to say beyond how cute you grandbaby is. From a technical standpoint, the second one is far superior to the rest. Figure out what you did differently on that one and you'll make progress.

[bnnrcn]

Very cute baby , as I don't shoot portraits I 'm not able to make technical comments though

[Shadowman]

Cute series, it's interesting that you shoot slightly overexposed, that can be an issue when clothing or backgrounds have bright tones. How do you set up your shots and what post processing do you do.

[JamesScott86]

All great captures.

[deetheturk]

Very nice Annette, what a lovely girl

[annette71]

Hi, Annette. I generally don't shoot people so don't have much to say beyond how cute you grandbaby is. From a technical standpoint, the second one is far superior to the rest. Figure out what you did differently on that one and you'll make progress.

Thank you Dan, I appreciate the feedback. The second one is my favorite too!

[annette71]

Cute series, it's interesting that you shoot slightly overexposed, that can be an issue when clothing or backgrounds have bright tones. How do you set up your shots and what post processing do you do.

John, I have a sunroom with much natural light. I do a lot of shots out there, as I am still struggling with lighting! So ironic you should mention that. I almost never use flash. Post processing in Lightroom and photoshop. I do shoot in RAW but I am still learning how to post edit in that format. Seriously, the struggle is real!

[annette71]

Very nice Annette, what a lovely girl

Thank you David!

[annette71]

Thank you.

[Shadowman]

John, I have a sunroom with much natural light. I do a lot of shots out there, as I am still struggling with lighting! So ironic you should mention that. I almost never use flash. Post processing in Lightroom and photoshop. I do shoot in RAW but I am still learning how to post edit in that format. Seriously, the struggle is real!

Annette, your control of shadows is pretty good, you just need to work on highlight details; highlights look best in third image. Is the 50mm your only lens?

[annette71]

Annette, your control of shadows is pretty good, you just need to work on highlight details; highlights look best in third image. Is the 50mm your only lens?

John, no, I also have my kit lens 18 - 55 mm, Nikon 55‑200mm F/4‑5.6g and Sigma DG 70 - 300 /Macro. I think that's another one of my editing issues. Knowing when the highlights and shadows are good. I spend hours and hours trying to get them right!

[Dave Humphries]

Hi Annette,

She's clearly a lovely baby and you have captured that well.

My major observation on this series is that although you have adjusted the cropping on some, they are not framed as I would have.

Lucy is centred in most compositions and in a couple she is 'looking out of shot' and there's an expanse of non-contributory area opposite (i.e. behind her).

My suggestions are therefore:

#1 Crop 25-30% off the left hand side, removing the basket entirely, although I'd be careful not to get too close to her hand, so may need to clone away any remaining basket visible in lower left corner after the crop.

#2 is just fine - well done.

#3 I'd crop 20% off the left hand edge and ideally add canvas and clone extend a little on the right hand edge so her finger tips and car are not so near the edge.

#4 really needs a bit more space on the left edge. In my view this is the weakest of the 5 shots as we don't have much visibility of her eyes and we don't know what has her attention.

#5 I would crop 10% off the left edge and 5% off the top edge. Ideally we'd see a tad more of her feet too.

PS I have edited your post above to add numbers and separate the images with a line of background - these both help people critique your images when there is more than one - something to remember for next time.

I hope my feedback proves useful, Dave

[annette71]

Thank you Dave, I really appreciate the feedback and suggestions. I am picturing what you are saying and you are right. Its funny we don't see these things right away as we are editing. Once someone points it out, BAM there it is! I will keep all of that in my brain