Bad days?

[angelschick6]

Am I the only one who has shoots that - well, just suck? I know not every image can be stellar or even good but to take 96 shots of your own son and have MAYBE one usable shot? This is the second time I have tried to shoot him, both with similar results. He isn't a bad looking kid (he's 17) either. Maybe he just gets me on my REALLY bad days? I was trying to use my new speedlight for some of the shots but even the ones without just suck! What do you do if you have a bad day professionally????
Wondering if all photographers have bipolar tendencies??? Last time I did a shoot I was so happy - all I ever wanted to do was take pictures. Today - I want to sell my equipement. OK - maybe a slight exaggeration....

[frank abramonte]

Amy, your photos are basically ok, but can stand some adjustment in the lighting.
The close ups show harsh lighting, perhaps you should try a diffuser on your flash.
The diffuser will soften the glare of the flash especially on close ups
The backlit photo could have been improved with a fill light to offset the backlighting, or you could have center focused on the face.
I notice that most of your photos could have been helped with a fill light.
Hope some other more knowledgeable contributors will come along with their input.
Bear in mind that you can improve your photos with a little PS Elements adjustments.

[angelschick6]

Frank - Could you tell me which ones you are referring to? Most of my pics I posted don't even have flash. I do have a speedlight now but haven't posted anything where I used it I don't think? Maybe the ones of the dark skinned young man but the rest of my posted ones are with available light only. I do have a diffuser for the speedlight but that didn't even help me last night. The ones from last night were either too dark and PP coouldn't seem to help it or the flash looked horrible. I know I need help with lighting, especially now that I have a speedlight. It's part of the reason i shot my son last night - to practice. I have read and re-read and am getting frustrated! Thanks for the CC though!

[frank abramonte]

Frank - Could you tell me which ones you are referring to? \The ones from last night were either too dark and PP coouldn't seem to help it or the flash looked horrible.\

Is your flash synced to flash with the shutter? That will cause dark photos when using a flash. Can't help you there but have seen it discussed on this forum.


Overall your photos are good.
Bear in mind that unless you have a studio set up your photos won't be perfect without some manipulation, especially when trying to light for both highlights and shadows.
I may be too critical since i look for maximum details in photos and not soft out of focus images. That's why I notice the lack of detail in the shadows and in the roses.
You should take all the advice you can get, weed through it and settle on what make you happy.
Some advice you will notice that you agree with and some of which you won't.


A couple of critques follow:
oldest daughter's eyes in shadow. I used a shadow and highlight adjustment.
http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1CyQbf3NHTV4sNnRNHXtegToNb6M3c_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1CyQbf3NHTV4sNnRNHXtegToNb6M3c)

Rhonda3 no detail in blacks and roses. I selected the hat and did exposure adjustment and shadow and highlight adjustment on the roses/
http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1eJ6HZNBc0tMABASRnpx0CAzfIsmn1_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1eJ6HZNBc0tMABASRnpx0CAzfIsmn1)

[angelschick6]

Frank - thanks for taking the time - I really mean it! I know I have a lot to learn and it's hard because everyone that sees them (friends and family) say how awesome they are and I am frustrated! I appreciate them supporting me but when I am frustrated technically and all I get are compliments I think I have no eye. Ya know? I know what I want - just gotta figure how to get there!

Yes I do know how to weed through advice since this is an art and art is subjective. I totally see what you mean about the shadows in my daughters eyes. Fill flash huh? I need to try that more often - ONCE I learn the stupid speedlight that is. URGH! I need a mentor - have tried somewhat local photographers - offering to assist for free with no bites. Maybe I need more experience first or the area is so soft they don't want to help any newbies? I'm not sure but it's frustrating!
Thanks again!

[frank abramonte]

Amy, I worked in fashion and cosmetic advertising for many years, and everything shot by professionals was retouched. Even photod by Francesco Scavullo and Richard Avedon, two of the most famous fashion photographers.

I did a search of the forum on speedlight, read through and see if you can find any info that may help you.

http://www.elementsvillage.com/forums/search.php?searchid=2193246

[elwoodsusanm]

I feel most of my photos 'suck' too. But I am sticking at it and going back to evening classes in September - maybe this term I may learn something:)

[Tina_B]

I too have gone through periods when I think all my photos suck. So I just stop shooting photos for a while and then when I am not looking for things to shoot I find all kinds of interesting things. Sometimes I think I try to hard and I have learned to just let things happen and not always be looking for or trying to make a good shot. I got so mad at my photos that I bought a new camera and put the old one in the drawer along with all the other cameras that made me mad. You know it is the cameras falult:D not mine!!!!

My creative eye comes and goes and I just have to roll with it sometime.
Tina B

[elwoodsusanm]

""You know it is the cameras falult:D not mine!!!!""

I feel the same LOL:D
Sue