This is my 7 week old daughter Sara wrapped in a towel after a bath. The camera is my first SLR, and it's even younger than her, so I'm still learning yet. I did not use the tripod, and used only the built in flash for additional light. The image was scanned at 200dpi from a 4x6 glossy, and has not been edited. I think the pose was nothing short of perfect (of course I do, she's my daughter), but I think I could have done something behind the camera to make this look more alive. Any setting/light/lens recommendations?
THANK YOU DAVE!!!!!!!!!!!!! I had to look up "catchlight", I didnt know the term. I guess I could add that effect with photoshop, as much as it pains me. I wish I could get that effect naturally. The lighting is fairly poor in the house for photography. I think I will look into changing some of the lighting to help with indoor photography. The color balance problem may be in the processing. Don't freak but it was developed at Wal-Mart. I am looking for a real shop right now, and have tested a few so far with no luck. A lot of the camera stores around here are staffed with kids who are probably less qualified than the guy at WalMart is. I will re-scan using the negative instead, which will most likely produce a better image. As for the notices when I leave comments, I will try to leave more at least to test. Regretfully I can only offer the dreaded "good job". While I think that is warranted in MANY cases on here, I dont think it adds to the concept of the site.
I just read a comment by you in the forum section, and drifted over to your pics to see what you have done. As far as the suggestion to automatically have comments reflected back to all who have commented before, that already happens on usefilm. You could try it out by commenting on a recent shot by someone else, and wait to receive email notification of others' opinions as they arise. You will find that you get more attention from others if you give back to the group. I agree, this will be a memorable family snap for decades to come. For future shots, I have two suggestions. A little more catchlight in the eyes would have helped, the eyes are too dark and expressionless. Second, your color balance seems off. I assume those blankets are white. Make it so. If your photoprocessor did an inferior job, you could correct the color cast on your computer. Perhaps it was dominant tungsten lighting causing a brownish color cast. You might try taking a shot beside a window, to get better color balance and to use more dynamic shadows. I agree, her expression is priceless. In three months it will be even better.
Well Chris, a new baby and a new camera - and a great job. I like it, the little fist, and all bundled up. I love black and whites of babies and this one is very nice - keep it up. Try getting some shots like this in a patch of sunlight when she is sleeping also.
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