Enjoying the last bit of summer

[STiZzle2010]

I am a family man but I work quite a bit so I try to cherish the time that I have with my family. My little guy is still taking naps and planning day trips around his schedule can be challenging. Of course the times he is up is not ideal because of the harsh lighting. With this in mind and with only using natural light (no reflectors), I am trying to get better at using the light that is available instead of trying to fight it.

It's been a while since I last posted and since I am always looking to improve, here are a few shots for some critique. I've learned so much from this group and while I'm extremely grateful. I want to continue to get better.

Thank you for looking!

1. Enjoying a walk through some coves in southern Rhode Island.
f/2.8, 1/1250th, ISO 100, 160mm
JMH_0167-Edit by Hebee's Visions, on Flickr

2. Splashing around at Watercountry in New Hampshire.
f/2.8, 1/1250th, ISO 100, 200mm
JMH_0023-Edit by Hebee's Visions, on Flickr

3. My daughter waiting for the bus on her first day of school.
f2.8, 1/200th, ISO 200, 200mm
JMH_0011-Edit by Hebee's Visions, on Flickr

4. My oldest son waiting for the bus on his first day of school.
f2.8, 1/200th, ISO 200, 200mm
JMH_0020-Edit by Hebee's Visions, on Flickr

5. Hiking at Chase Farm with my youngest son.
f/2.8, 1/2000th, ISO 100, 200mm
JMH_0176-Edit by Hebee's Visions, on Flickr

[IMG] [IMG]

[bnnrcn]

A great set Josh. Despite the harsh light, the exposures look good. Although I like all of them, #2 and #5 are my favs

[STiZzle2010]

Thank you!

[bje07]

Nice pictures with natural lighting.
Just if you accept, few comments :
on # 1 if it's mine I'll crop to eliminate green part and why not get a 1x1 format, redue highlights and give a few vibrancy, but it's already good like it is.
on # 3 and 4 reduce the impact of the white fence by burning a little bit.

#2 and 5 are IMO the best, #5 for light management.
Bravo.

[STiZzle2010]

Thank you for your suggestions and feedback. #5 is my most recent work btw

[NorthernFocus]

The first and last shots are really nice. The first one would benefit from cropping to a 4x5 presentation. That last shot walking in the tall grass is awesome. The backlighting is well handled and makes the shot IMO. My only suggestions are to darken BG at top of the frame a bit. And if you aren't averse to doing so, clone out the bright seed tops near his left ear and top of his head. Really a nice photo. Nicely done.

[STiZzle2010]

Thank you so much for your feedback!

[Shadowman]

Nice series, your lighting conditions are varied so you're getting lots of practice.

[Mike Buckley]

Wow! Such a wonderful set of family pics!

My only recommendation is that a very slight vignette would help draw the viewer's eye to the subject in all of them. I'm suggesting a vignette that is so slight that you may not notice it until you remove it.

[Dave A]

Nice set, well done.

Dave

[STiZzle2010]

Thank you for the feedback everyone! I do not use vignetting very often but i think that it is a great suggestion!

[madcrow]

Josh, fabulous set of photos, a joy to look at. If i had to pick it must be 2. The happy face.

[STiZzle2010]

Thank you very much!

[Milehighguy]

Nice kids, very good shots. Agree with comments regarding cropping and framing, but overall nicely done.