Just thought I'd share a few samples from my first family portraits. C&C welcome, as always. All are available light, only - which is how I'd like to keep it. Strobes have their place, but I've always been a sucker for natural light.

I made a few rookie DoF mistakes, and I need to work on giving direction when I'm shooting adults. I'd prefer to keep younger kids strictly candid, but adults are too aware. I managed to sneak a couple of unguarded moments. Anyway, here goes...

The mom wanted to involve this tree in their side yard - they use it for pics of their kids every year.

1. This is my favorite from the day.


2.


3.


4.


5. Little sis pounced on big sis, then promptly managed to look like a complete angel. At least they were having fun!


6.


7.
One of those DoF mistakes, dammit. I'd love this, otherwise.


8.


9. One of my favorites...

 

I like them, Dancer! The expressions are very natural, and you did a great job with the available light. No unseemly shadows or anything like that. I particularly like the second from the last. The exposures look to be spot-on, too. I'm sure that family was very happy with the results.

 

I personally would have given a little more guidance and kept the husband from wearing a white shirt.

White shirt outdoors... Ooooo painful to even think about.

 

Very nice set. I kind of cringed when you said all natural light, but that went away when I started scrolling through the pictures. The lighting is very nice.

The poses generally look very natural and you captured some fun moments, too. I'm sure they'll be very happy with this set.

As for the DoF mistake, I'm not sure if you meant you should have stopped down to get the cat in focus or open up do blur the backgroun. Probably the former, but the latter would have worked, too.

For your close-up portraits (like 6), I would crop tighter in camera and open up your aperture more. Don't leave too much room above the head or cut off limbs below the joints - i.e. better above the elbow than below it. Also, watch the elbows at the edges. Once you get the 7D with the 100% viewfinder, it will be easier to catch that

Keep in mind, it's a lot easier for me to make these observations and comments than it would be for me to match your quality. This is a solid set that the family will love. Just some things to keep in mind for future shoots. Nice work.

 

Nice set Dancer!

SS and I are doing a shoot for a family this weekend too.

 

Wow, very nice work! I am sure they will love them.



Anyone else come in here thinking Wndrlst got a gig at the White House?

 

If that was the case then her WB is WAY off.

 

That's racist, yo!

 

Wndr, were you using ANY flash? On camera or off?

 

WB off, indeed!

I knew I'd be working in open shade. He said he had either white or navy & white broad stripes. I chose the simpler one, given my lighting. The highlights aren't blown. I agree it's not ideal.

I wish I'd gotten the cat in focus - they really wanted her in some photos. I do wish I'd had more room to move away from the house so it would disappear a bit more. The good news is, it's their home, and they love it, so hopefully they won't mind seeing it so much.

I thought about cropping more from above the head in post, but they'll be printing 5x7 or 8x10, so they'll have to take some off - I wanted to leave them room. I agree, for presentation purposes, that it's too much room.

And truly, thanks so much for the comments. It's all good advice. The only practice I have working with primes is macro - which doesn't involve foot-zooming. I kept having to remind myself it's ok to get closer!

Thanks everyone. We had fun, and I think that shows.

 

I'm sure they'll be amazing! Will you post a few to show us how it's done?

 

Yeah, I always forget about the print sizes screwing with the crop ratios. Don't mind me... nothing to see here...

 

Nope. I thought about bringing a reflector, but after studying the work of some strictly available light portrait photogs, whom I really admire, I decided that's what I want to strive for.

 

Are you kidding? I'm just proud of myself for remembering - although I should've taken off the space above her head, so they'd have to take her elbows off!

 

Great set wndlrst!

+1 I thought it was THE first family.

 

Ha - I've got a looooong way to go before I get there! Thanks!

 

i have zero knowledge in photography, but those are great shots! i assume the family was very pleased

 

Thanks - I hope so!

 

As usual, very nice set. Pic #1 FTW.

Wanna come over and shoot my 2 and 4 year old. I'll leave getting them to sit still up to you.

 

Oh man, I'd actually love to - sitting still not required!! I've recently found that I'm very, very interested in custom portraiture, especially of children. Too bad you live so far...I need practice and a portfolio! And thanks.

 

Very nice set, are you also considering studio? Look forward to more

 

Thanks, LKLD. For now, I'm keeping it simple, and sticking with location shoots. I wouldn't be surprised to find myself branching out in the future, but for now it's cost prohibitive.

 

Looks good. Try to get a bunch of candid photos. Candid family captures are great. #9 is my favorite from the set. It also has most "candid" feel to it.

 

very nice!

 

I like #1, too... but I think most people will think the leaves are on the way. On #2, I feel the "mom" is too concealed, and it feels like she's struggling to be on the frame. I think 7/8/9 are great, and 9 is probably my favorite from those posted.

I find it amazing these are all natural light. Had you not mentioned it, I would've assumed you were using fill flash on some. They are so very well processed - very, very nice job! I'd have no problem giving you money for them if I was in the shots!