Untitled

Please let me know what you think. View large as always,

kind regards,

Paul

Haven't yet cracked what it is that gives your images that classic and distinctive punch. There is a consistency in these child images of yours.

Much of it (as you might imagine) occurs in the digital darkroom.

Whilst it changes for each shot, I do use the following in various ways:

I pick the blue channel on it's own (or use channel mixer to achieve much of the look) then Shadow/Highlights which for me is a tool to get that 30's look.

Playing with the settings can get some incredible results.

 

I use alpha sharpening (or sometimes unsharp mask) to improve a shot.

 

Soem blurring and definite;y dodging/burning as the shot you see with youreyes (like sunsets) rarley translates the same through the camera lens as it does through your own eyes as your eyes will compensate greatly.

 

I specifically concentrate on skin tones when I use shadow highlights. Skin is beautiful on children and so a closeup allows you to see this.

 

Another reason for taking the close up (instead of a full body shot) is that you do get the detail and it's easier to capture the character in the face.

 

Often, I'm not looking for smiles from my little ladies as they are shots for the family album. I tend to like the shots that show open eyes. (window to the soul and all that...)

 

Aside from that, I pay some heed to the thirds rule where possible. I don't usually go for the 'passport photo' composition.

 

Also, I don't use a studio set up at all.

I will chase them around the house with an D70 and SB-800 flash (pointed at the ceiling usually) and get the kids relaxed. This helps to catch them playing.

I hate the prop shots that you often see studios do. Sticking them on a sheep rug dressed as Santa is missing the point.

 

 

I think I have some Shadow/Highlight settings (for starters) if you are interested.

 

On some of my shots in my portfolio, you can see the originalsand the final results. Have a look if you get the chance.

 

Thanks for noticing the 'style' that I'm trying to establish.

If you want to know anything more, let me know.

 

Kind regards,

Paul

http://www.photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=3813764

See the original

Paul: me gustaria hacer las fotos que tu haces. Eres un maestro del retrato.

Its the consistancy you achieve that impresses me, every one is identifiable as part of the family of images. Thanks for the enlightenment, I'm off to experiment.

I personally dislike the rather clinical result of 'white background studio shots', also preferring to catch the subject during a period of subtle observation and in almost 'natural' surrounding light. Certainly your collection shows patience as being a worthy tool in the camera-bag!

Regards, Alan

Your comments are always welcome.

It's always going to be a nice feeling knowing that the photo you just created is well thought of.

 

It's even nicer to know that the style (which is not always as popular as the diffused glow/softened ones)which I have tried to achieve and like personally is 'spotted' and liked by others.

 

Thanks once again.

Awesome expression and DOF, great detail! Well done!