Portrait Practice (5 img)

[Aussie Dave]

Decided to PP a few portrait photos I took of my niece & nephew last weekend. I would be very interested to hear your thoughts on these images (both BAD and GOOD).

I'm looking for constructive critisism, so please don't be hesitant to say what you think

These were all taken with the D70, 18-70 kit lens & SB800 ontop of camera (set to TTL BL). Conditions were overcast.

Below are thumbnail links to larger images....

[jethro]

The kit lens aint too bad at all. these are very satisfactory results. Well shot and the exposure is fine as well
jethro

[BBJ]

Bloody boodifull,

[Alpha_7]

I agree with BBJ, lovely kids and beautiful moments. I'm not experienced with Portraits, so I'm sorry I can't offer more feedback.

[Potatis]

I'm a huge fan of the kit lens, especially on a Benro tripod - very sharp. And once again I am reminded that the SB800 is the next item on my shopping list.

These photos are superb. Very well done with the PP too! I'm sorry I can't offer any constructive criticism. To me, they are all excellent.

[BBJ]

They are just it, too darn good i wouldn't change a thing about these pics at all, captures there spirit, love them.

[drifter]

The 3rd and 4th shots are superb .Really well framed ,exposures great and you can see there eyes which really makes these stand out . The first two don't quite work due to them looking away from the camera or to no where in particular if you know what i mean .

[rog]

Great shots! My only suggestion would be to consider shooting at the eye level of your subjects. It can be more empowering when the shots aren't looking down on them.

- Rog

[Jamie]

Very nice Dave.

Only things i dont like....

The first two images of your neice - you cant see her eyes at all. I dont really like the traditional childrens portrait where they have to look right down the lens and smile, id much rather see (in most cases) images of them going about their own thing while still capturing their eyes. (hope you understand what i mean)

The first one of your nephew is great! Love it. Just watch out for the background though, he nearly has a peice of timber running through one ear and out the other.  BTW, you are still welcome to borrow my 50mm 1.8 lens anytime you feel the need.

[Aussie Dave]

thank you everyone for sharing your thoughts. I agree that the kit lens & SB800 make a great duo. I only ever speak very highly of the SB800, I believe it's one of Nikon's finest achievements to date. I'd love to get a 2nd one but I guess that will need to stand in line with the rest of the equipment I lust after

I also see the point a few of you have raised in regards to having the subjects eyes showing. IMO, the second one (with my niece looking at the handful of sand), does not suffer too much, as you can at least see what she is looking at. The first however, I feel could have been a much better shot. I will try to remember this very good point for next time.

I guess that's the difference between a great photographer and an average one. A great photographer remembers what will make the shot better "at the time of taking the shot". An average photographer will remember when they look back on their work !

Thanks you very much for your kind offer Jamie. I am hoping to secure my own very, very soon...however if I find I am need of one before that happens I have your number

If anyone else has comments or suggestions, I would be very happy for you to post your thoughts.....even if you don't think you are qualified to offer cristisism

[Sheetshooter]

Dave,

You've done well again and I concur with soime of the other comments about coming down to their level and so forth - it should be a quite informative thread for you.

My only other comment would be that, as well as these have worked, try working WITHOUT the flash. Natural light in the real world presents so many wonderful and unique opportunities it seems a shame to thow the baby pout with the bathwater by making the illumination so axial and uniform.

Then again, what else would you expect me to say - I have always had a deep and compelling disdain for flash on camera for just the sorts of reasons I've expressed.

Cheers,

[Aussie Dave]

Dave,

You've done well again and I concur with soime of the other comments about coming down to their level and so forth - it should be a quite informative thread for you.

My only other comment would be that, as well as these have worked, try working WITHOUT the flash. Natural light in the real world presents so many wonderful and unique opportunities it seems a shame to thow the baby pout with the bathwater by making the illumination so axial and uniform.

Then again, what else would you expect me to say - I have always had a deep and compelling disdain for flash on camera for just the sorts of reasons I've expressed.

Cheers,

thanks SS. Some sound advice there. I think I love the SB800 so much, I almost always automatically use it (unless I am outside in great lighting)....however, with the weather being overcast on the weekend I shot the above pics, the natural light probably won't get more even. Perhaps if I'd thought about it, I would have tried turning the flash off.
Looks like I'm still @ average photog status

Thank you for your suggestion ! I have taken it onboard.