You'll miss them when I stop posting them

[Dave Humphries]

Hi Simon,

Seems everyone missed the second batch in this thread

In the mono above, I do find the spiral an eye grabbing distraction, perhaps you can get away with a crop of left edge that just takes out the spiral and leaves concentric semi-circles? Also, while I'm being unreasonable, the lower right corner is quite bright, but not sure what the answer to that is (that wouldn't look odd).

I could suggest a couple of minor changes to the balloon shot, but it is cute enough and captures a nice expression in (I guess) your lounge, so understandably comes with the complexities that of modern family life.

On the last;

Too soft across the face? I think it works but maybe it needs a crop from the right.

Yes, the decision is; just up to her ear, or exclude that too - I can't decide.

I see you shot at f/1.8 (at 45mm) on m4/3, so about f/3.6 in terms of DoF for full frame, still pretty narrow DoF at this shooting distance. I think I also detect a little movement of some elements in the image, due to the shutter speed of 1/50s and subject movement. But it works, she's very photogenic.

Going back to the first batch, which I missed, my only comment on the excellent rope tube shot is that I felt the black point needed setting, just looks a tad 'veiling flared' to me - noting that I'd say the same of the SOOC version.

HTH, Dave

[bnnrcn]

Another nice set Simon.Such a cute and beautiful girl I agree with Dave's crop suggestions .

[skitterbug]

She has beautiful eyes! You could sit and take pictures of her for hours! I enjoy seeing her "in action shots"! Much better than simply sitting still! And besides, what child wants to sit perfectly still for pictures! A few maybe! LOL
Thanks for sharing!

[ionian]

Thanks for the comments - she is very photogenic, I certainly got into photography at the right time.

I'll have a look at the crop on the B&W but can see that as a print in the new house (if we ever get there) which is why I've stuck with a square format. There are lots of other options though, I take many many pictures of her so I'll experiment.

The balloon pic is at her grandparents house - its more an action shot than a pose, like a posh iPhone snap.

I've left the last one to decide later on a crop - there are a few options.

I don't know what veiling flared is Dave, but thanks to Google I will find out in a minute after posting this message.

Sandy - many more action shots to follow, she has become quite the live wire. Very few shots I take of her are posed, it's just about timing and setting up the light properly wherever she is playing.

[ionian]

I now know what veiling flare is. I actually use it a lot as a device to lower contrast in my images, sometimes I'll even add it in post or shoot with a brolly off camera pointing at the lens. I find back lighting very pleasing and it is very much a feature of my style, suitably balanced, where possible.

[Shanghai Steve]

These shots take me back to my previous city and school. I learned a lot from photographing my pupils and when I browse through them, I usually feel a twinge. Two things seem eternal : when they see a camera, girls try to look like princesses and boys like zombies!

[ionian]

They keep coming... I like to try various things. I'm really happy with the first, it's a look I've been trying to create unsuccessfully for a while.