To plan I first started at istockphoto.com and also looked for some images via a google search but I found my best poses and inspirational photos via pin-interest. I also found that creating an inspirational board on pin-interest was way faster and easier for me than keeping them on a blog - although people can see them. I quickly realized though I'm attracted to the same style of photography, soft lighting, lifestyle....but am frustrated I'll never be able to get my images to look anything like those I was pinning.
I did create a shot list for the Easter shot and also a list of props -easter basket, bunny ears, easter dress etc....but once I started shooting that all went out the window. -although I have to say I was extremely excited to know this trick that photographer's do - it helped me immensely with my lack of creativity and really got me dreaming :) so back to the shoot - I was trying to keep up with a daughter who WILL NOT sit still and WILL NOT look at the camera - I dont even think I was paying attention to focus, shutter speed (basics) very dissapointed in myself. Do you have suggestions on how to focus and make sure you are getting the shot when your subject is constantly in motion or does this just take time? also, she didnt want anything to do with any of the props. so here are my images - not at all happy but I'm hoping that you can give me some pointers on how to be better.
manual mode - 1/400, f/5, spot metering ISO 100
manual mode, ISO 100, f/5.6, 1/125s, spot metering
manual mode, ISO 3200 f/4, 1/125s
manual mode, ISO 100, 1/200s, f/5.6, spot metering
manual, f/5.6, 1/125s, ISO 100
manual mode, 1/160s, f/5.6, spot metering, ISO 100
i'm also having a really hard time with editing - especially when trying to blur my background using layers - I submitted this question in the question section.
And one last thing - I'm feeling very limited by my camera and lens -I just have a kit lens but I'm trying to justify the cost of upgrading when I'm nowhere near actually taking pictures for money - any suggestions?
do a lot of photograher's start our frustrated? I'm wondering if maybe shooting kids is not my cup of tea - although these are the images I love to look at and long to create?
This is Marilyn :) I upgraded to a "prime" lens about a month ago. It is a 35mm lens with a fast aperture of 1.8. It is wonderful and I love it! It was $200 for my Nikon camera. I have heard they are even a bit cheaper for Canon's but I could be wrong. Having the ability to go to f2.8 or even f1.8 you can get the really pretty soft background that you may be trying to create in your editing. I have even seen these lenses for sale used but they don't seem to be much cheaper than new. I love the lighting in the first one, it looks so bright and pretty on her hair.
ReplyDeletethank you for the suggestion. I'm still not clear on the difference between the $200 prime lens and the $1500 prime lens with the same fstop - I think I'll ask in this weeks questions.
ReplyDeleteDoes the $1500 lens zoom? I bought the 35mm f1.8 because of Brooke's suggestion. She actually recommends the 50mm f1.8 (or maybe it's f1.4) but those one's don't work on my older Nikon (D60). I think those ones run around 200-400?
ReplyDeleteno, they are all prime so no zooming - but I think it's because the more expensive are "professional" whatever that means - i think it comes down to the glass of the lens? but I asked brooke so i'm sure she'll have a better answer!
ReplyDeleteI think you got some really cute shots! I love the black and white one...such a cute, real moment. I also love the one where she is eating! So Cute! Little kids are hard because keeping their attention is a definite challenge! You got some great keepers!
ReplyDeleteMy 3 year old is definitely the hardest person to photograph. She doesn't sit still for a second and it's hard to get her to look in the direction of the camera at all. I think you did a good job showing her emotions and how busy they are at this age. Great job!
ReplyDeleteThat black and white photograph is so darling. I love everything about it! The perspective, the framing, her expression! They are all so great. Kids aren't always the easiest to photograph and it's not always "smiles". It's fun to see them not just smiling though. I love her little concentrated look in some of them! So cute.
ReplyDeleteMy fav is the black and white - her little expression is priceless!
ReplyDeletethanks everyone! your words of encouragement are so appreciated!
ReplyDelete