impromptu shoot in the park ...

[dh photography]

I went back a gave a critical eye to the shadow caused by the hat. First off there are no harsh shadows. What shadows that are there are very soft and cause no loss of detail. In fact a couple of them you may have lightened just a tap to much. Only noticed that because you asked. It is minor and not really a problem. Shadows are expected in a situation like this and need to be there. Using the flash lightened and softened just enough to make it look good.

@Don Kuykendal - Thank you very much for going back to take a closer look. With me being my own worst critic and having the tendency to pick apart my images, even after I've posted the final edit, it's so much better to pull myself out of it and just listen to what others see. With many of my local "pros" seemingly staying close-lipped on any CC, it's even more of a blessing to have this forum!

 

[Pretzel]

Great shots, and fantastic use of fill light, especially for just starting to dabble.

I'd agree with Don's assessment on the shadow from the hat, but this can actually be beaten a little bit with LESS pp work with some off-camera flash in a shoot through umbrella or soft-box (an area where I'm starting to dabble as well) shot at the right angle. You can also make sure that you position yourself so the flash is at eye level instead of above your subject, which is something I often forget as a taller photographer. Then you start running the risk of people looking "down" too much, so it helps to have a helper behind you to say "Look at me", then "lower just your eyes toward the camera". I've found the off-camera flash to be easier than that, though.

Now, having said all of that, realize this: I'm just sharing what I've learned since dabbling in the same area, and the results you've posted above are... FANTASTIC! Great mix of fill flash with the natural light, especially the 2nd shot of that original set, and the 1st of the 2nd set you posted. I'm guessing those were in a more shaded light than the rest as well? I've been asked for advice, in the past, about shooting fill flash outside, and I've always stood by the practice of starting out under-powered and working your way up into a nice light, where many do the opposite and end up with a bit of overkill... but it sounds (and looks) like you took the right approach and nailed it right out of the gate!

 

[dh photography]

Great shots, and fantastic use of fill light, especially for just starting to dabble.

I'd agree with Don's assessment on the shadow from the hat, but this can actually be beaten a little bit with LESS pp work with some off-camera flash in a shoot through umbrella or soft-box (an area where I'm starting to dabble as well) shot at the right angle. You can also make sure that you position yourself so the flash is at eye level instead of above your subject, which is something I often forget as a taller photographer. Then you start running the risk of people looking "down" too much, so it helps to have a helper behind you to say "Look at me", then "lower just your eyes toward the camera". I've found the off-camera flash to be easier than that, though.

Now, having said all of that, realize this: I'm just sharing what I've learned since dabbling in the same area, and the results you've posted above are... FANTASTIC! Great mix of fill flash with the natural light, especially the 2nd shot of that original set, and the 1st of the 2nd set you posted. I'm guessing those were in a more shaded light than the rest as well? I've been asked for advice, in the past, about shooting fill flash outside, and I've always stood by the practice of starting out under-powered and working your way up into a nice light, where many do the opposite and end up with a bit of overkill... but it sounds (and looks) like you took the right approach and nailed it right out of the gate!

Thanks Pretzel! I've got a couple of umbrellas, a 24x36 speedlight softbox, stands, and reflectors all on my birthday list for later this week. I sent my wife pics of my Amazon cart with the exact items in it. Hope she got the hint!! Whatever she didn't pick up I'll be ordering next week.

I think I will try using two OCF and commander mode. I had the single flash down low (usually on the ground). I think an even softer light up closer to face level and right may have made the difference. I don't really mind the shadows as much as I did, but that's about the only thing that has been mentioned a couple of times in other groups. That and posing of the hands could be better.

I'd still love to find a class, like the one you attended, close to me. I've seen one in StL before but it's a 2hr drive.



Thanks again everyone, for posting up your feedback and advice!! I love it and need more of it!!

 

[Friggs]

I think every single photo is great. All together as a series are awesome

What he said.