My First Shot at Portraits

[Dawoofo]

Hi all. Just got my XTi a few weeks ago, and up until now I've just been trying to learn how to use it by taking lots of test pictures. Well, yesterday I got my nerve up and took pictures of my great-niece after having been asked by my sister and niece for a while now. :o Anyway, these are my favorites out of several in different outfits. She was a great little model, even if the photographer was lacking. :)

All were taken with my 50mm F1.8 at 100 ISO, F6.3, 1/200th. Can't wait to get some better glass, but I figured this was a good lens for me to learn with. C & C very much appreciated.

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/843/laurelai1or8.jpg

http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/5870/laurelai2gf2.jpg

http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/6555/laurelai3ts4.jpg

http://img93.imageshack.us/img93/8186/laurelai4mw1.jpg

[jamison55]

Very cute kid! The photos are well exposed and you captured really nice expressions. I think her mom will be really pleased.

As for critique - you lighting is a bit flat. The 50 f1.8 is a great lens because you have the ability to experiment with all sorts of locations with different types of available light - the wide aperture lets in a lot of light.

[Dawoofo]

Ah, thanks, Jamison. Going to have to experiment with lighting ratios. Much appreciated!

[adam75south]

what type of flash did you use?

[AdamW]

#3 & #4: great little "Mona Lisa" smile. Your first real portrait attempt? I'm very impressed.

[Dawoofo]

Built-in flash, Adam75south. Looking to get some other light sources soon, though. As a matter of fact I've been finding great information in your "My first studio shot" thread, and now I see why one source of light (from the built-in flash) doesn't cut it. :)

Thanks AdamW. Everything else has only been impromptu snapshots, and I needed to try to get some good pictures of her...she's scheduled to have heart surgery tomorrow (born without a ventricle) and hasn't been able to get to a studio due to a shunt in her heart and the need to be kept away from any germs such as from public places, etc. She's a trooper though. :)

[adam75south]

wow those look great for pop up flash.

[AdamW]

Heart surgery! Awww,man. Well, she looks like an adorable trooper. Best wishes, Uncle.

[forno]

DAMN, I hope all goes well for the her:)

[Dawoofo]

Thanks guys. She made it through fine (5 hour open heart surgery--ugh) and her surgeons were pleased with how it went. Looking forward to getting lots more pictures of her when she's back home and fully recovered. :)

[forno]

Thanks guys. She made it through fine (5 hour open heart surgery--ugh) and her surgeons were pleased with how it went. Looking forward to getting lots more pictures of her when she's back home and fully recovered. :)


good news:D