She can't GET AWAY!! BWAA-HA-HA! - Pictures (that need major help)
Crystalina wrote: Let me apologize in advance for showing more Gabby pics. She's my captive model whether she likes it or not. 
My camera is too advanced for my little brain and giving me a headache so I'm practicing on my lighting (  can you tell?) and my focusing. My focus keeps landing where I don't want it to!!! Sometimes I can't find the focus on the subject at all. Anyway...just sharing my practices. The first one is the ONLY one I really like. The shadows were done on purpose (on that one   ). I don't mind the cutesy-wootsy-bright-baby-face photos but the first one is more my style; shadows and color.
#2 just seems to lack contrast all together. 
The last one would be cute...if it were focused!!
cameragirl21 replied: Crystal, did your camera come with the manual? I recall your saying that you got it second hand so Idk if the manual was included...if so, seriously, read it cover to cover, it's the most valuable photography "book" you'll ever read.
I generally don't comment on anyone's pics here but since I saw you "over there" I suppose you're fair game, lol.
Firstly, if you're standing too close, the camera will struggle to focus unless you're shooting with a macro lens. Also, if you're lacking contrast, the camera will not know what to focus on. Your manual talks about focusing and how to selectively focus so seriously, read that. Lack of focus will ruin even the best of pics.
Also, I've been meaning to tell you but never did because as I said above, I rarely comment on anyone's pics, that you're definitely over sharpening the eyes...if you get them oof sooc then sharpening in post processing won't make up for that. Ideally you want to focus on the eyes and then add some sharpening in pp if you want that really popped look.
The lower ones also have a bit of color cast...are you shooting in front of a seamless? What is your light source?
lovemy2 replied: I don't really care what's wrong with the lighting or the focus or whatever that child is to die for - she is sooo beautiful 
Crystalina replied: My light source was a very small open window to her right (my left). I got the right shadowing on the first one (and added more in pp) but if you look at all the ones after that... I added another layer in pp, used a filler flash and then just erased what I didn't want and merged. There was a very harsh shadow on that side that ruined all the photos and using a flash only caused a shadow behind her.
I have only posted a few "over there" because I don't want to get pummeled and beat up.  I do mostly reading there and taking notes.  The kind of photos over there are a bit "jolly" for me.
I do have a manuel with my camera. It came with everything and I've read it but not the way I should obviously.
 Thanks for the eye sharpening tip!!! I'll keep that in mind for next time. And comment and critique all you want on mine. I need to learn.
I need to work on ISO and aperture and figure out how my camera is focusing. Just when I think I have it right...NOT.
Crystalina replied:
Awww, thank you! 
cameragirl21 replied: It takes time and practice, if it were easy, everyone would do it so hang in there and keep at it!
And you're lucky you have 3 gorgeous subjects to practice on!
Crystalina replied: Jennifer, forgot to answer your "am I shooting in front of a seamless" question. The answer is no. The background is just my living room wall (seen in pic #2). I did the coloring and texture in pp. I was fed up by the last pic (the one that is way out of focus) so I didn't bother too much fixing the coloring that's leaking into her hair.
cameragirl21 replied: so what color is the wall? I'm just wondering where the casts are coming from...what were you wearing and how close were you standing to her?
One trick--try to wear white, it reflects light onto your subject.
BAC'sMom replied: She's adorable Crystal!
Crystalina replied:
Thanks Jimmie. 
I was wearing a red shirt!  And I was standing really close because she's was in her Bumbo seat on a table and I doubt she'll fall out but I wanted to be within baby-catching distance.
The wall is white (grey in the pictures). If you look at the 2nd picture, that is the wall.
:ETA: I actually had to take my shirt out of her eyes.
mckayleesmom replied: she is gorgeous...I love the second picture and her little lips.
cameragirl21 replied: well, there ya go, the red shirt explains the color cast...cuz it's, well, red!
NEVER wear bright colors when shooting, this is a cardinal sin in photography UNLESS you are shooting with something like the 70-200L and are standing sufficiently far away.
With white you can't go wrong, it reflects clean, soft light right onto your subject.
Danalana replied: I don't know anything about photography, but I wanted to say that she is SO BEAUTIFUL
lisar replied: I think all the pictures are beautiful.
Crystalina replied:
I never would have thought it was my shirt Jennifer! Thanks SO much!
MommyToAshley replied: She's beautiful!!
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