Really Excited: AW PIP Post

xxjen015 · July 2014

So my BFF came to visit this weekend with her H and we went around town and did some touristy things. While we were at Rock City, we took a couple of practice maternity photos for next weekend. I'm by no means a professional, but I've taken a few photo classes and it's something I'd really like to get into. I'm really not comfortable with my editing software, but I imported the pics and gave it a whirl. I'm really proud of how they turned out! @christinafromflanders, I'd love to hear what you think since I know you have your business. Anywho, I thought I'd post the before/afters to share

Before

After

Before

After

mana8503 · July 2014

Ooooo I like them! The colors really pop but not in a fake way.

catwine · July 2014

Agreed, the editing makes the colours look great!! My tip for future photos is to consider playing with the depth of field so the background is more out of focus, while the subjects remain in focus.

Where I live the best times of day for shooting in the summer are between 5-7pm when the sunlight is low enough to illuminate your subjects but not so bright it casts unflattering shadows (not present in your pics though!!). I suggest finding out that time in your area and shooting during that window for others photos, the light is AMAZING.

Good job:) I'm sure your friends appreciate the photos too. Just out of curiosity, what camera do you use?

sjs1013 · July 2014

I love the colors! You just made them so much more vibrant. Great job!

mana8503 · July 2014

Ditto @christinafromflanders‌ - whenever we get photos done in the summer it starts at 7pm.

I was playing photographer this weekend for MILs wedding, and man that noon sun is harsh!

What program are you using to edit?

xxjen015 · July 2014

Thanks, guys!! I know my teacher told us starting around 4:30/5:30 depending on the time of year is best, but we took these at a tourist attraction we were visiting, so we didn't have control over the time. We'll start them later next weekend and I have an external flash and a reflector to try and get rid of some of the shadows on them, distribute the light more evenly.

@christinafromflanders I shoot with a Canon Rebel T2i. Nothing fancy, and it's just the standard lens, but until I feel like I could make money doing this, I can't spend the money on anything fancier, or a nice lens. @mana8503 I have Photoshop Lightroom to edit. I want the traditional photoshop so that I can do more extensive editing, but I'll have to wait until anniversary/Christmas

catwine · July 2014

I was the same way with cameras...I used basic ones for years until I could justify the purchase of a new one. I gained experience by offering to shoot events and portraits for free. I set aside a weekend in the summer and offered 15 minute photo sessions to families for free. Once I felt confident enough, I started charging for them. Ditto with maternity.