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1st Birthday Photo


LenMarriott

A friend's daughter nearing her 1st birthday. I knew this little dynamo would be hard pressed to stay still, in one spot, for very long so I opted for the 400 ISO version of this portrait film to allow me the most depth of field. Using a Vivitar 283 on full manual power & shooting through a white umbrella about 30 deg. to camera left, the meter read approx. f11 at the subject position. A second Vivitar 283 was used, direct, on camera at f 5.6 (2 stops under main) to trigger the umbrella light & provide a little fill. Father & 4 yr. old brother were camera left to elicit a response in that direction while mother laid on the floor (baby sitting on mom) holding on to baby to calm and anchor her. A white bedsheet provided the background. I know, I know, the background is a little too sharp & if I've learned anything from this shoot it would be to move the subject further from the background and light it seperately. Cropped slightly to eliminate Mom. Other than that, take your best shot; enlighten me with your wisdom on how YOU would have handled this shoot. Oh, Yah, 150mmPS @ f 11. Best, LM.


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Family

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Hi Len, long time...

Very good portrait of the young " woman",I like the neutral background that accentuate the baby. Good lighting, her placing in the frame and skin colors.

 

Very sweet image. Pnina

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Pnina, Yes! Too long, shame on me. If you've read my intro you'll see that I have concerns regarding the background & will do things a bit differently in that department in the future. The lighting pattern and some posing tips were thanks to Joe Zeltsman who's technique is considered old fashioned by some but who's 'basics' , I believe, would improve anyone's portraits. As for the skin tones, well, that's why I chose Portra NC. Remove as many variables as possible is my philosophy. Best, LM.
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Len, I still think you have done well with the neutral background, what a preparation for that sweet one... Pnina
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Len, you have already picked the obvious fault, and I know how difficult such shots are. If it were possible, I would have had a reflector to camera right, and got the main flash closer. This would have given softer tones to the skin and lightened the shadows at the back of her head while increasing separation.
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Jeff, Thanks for your input. Good point about the reflector, and it's not because I don't have one. The 42" umbrella main light was already within 5 ft. of her & I was reluctant to get it any closer as she was a wiggler & could easily throw off my exposure with just a foot or two of movement, though for this pose Momma had her firmly anchored. Thanks again for your interest. Best, LM.
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How do you handle similar sittings? My technical narrative should

explain most aspects of how I handled this one. Best, LM.

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Guest Guest

Posted

I've always thot of you as an outdoor photog but, like always, my assumptions are often wrong about people. Hidden talents reveal themselves in subtle ways, I must say.

 

This image has soft consistent lighting and the hand gestures, unintentional as it may seem, balanced the pose. There's a slight twinkle in her left eye revealing the light source. Would it be advisable to just use the healing-brush to touch it out but others may like it: it's all personal preference.

 

Were her parents impressed and requested for a large print? I say this should certainly be printed large; at the least, 11x14".

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Very crisp image, Len, and thanks for the info on the lighting setup. I have been thinking about trying some of these. --Lannie
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Lannie, Thanks for taking the time. I find the background & technical info provided with posts very informative and try to provide same with mine. Could have some educational value or provide context. Be sure to post the results if you try this. Best, LM.
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What strikes me is the 3d quality, the volume of the little angel is remarkably depicted.
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Bill, The technique to get the 3D look is simply to get the light off camera and lightly fill in the shadows. Might need a little luck getting the expression you're after though, especially with a wiggly one year old :) Best, LM.
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Cool shot Len. Love the natural look. Only nitpick is the harsh glint on her eyes. Surprising for umbrella lighting. Perhaps the second Vivitar flash should not be aimed directly at the child and placed further away. Even with one flash you can achieved good modelling effect if placed correctly.
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Alec, The main (umbrella) light (slaved) was to camera left and in line with her face about 4-5 feet from her. That is what produced these catchlights. The fill (and trigger source) was on the camera and direct. I usually use the trigger unit bounced off the ceiling with a reflector card attached to direct some light toward the subject but the ceiling was off- white and would have caused a colour cast, in the shadows at least. Without the fill the shadows would have been very dark indeed and the lighting ratio much too high for toddler photos which, I believe, should be more high key. Your input is always appreciated. Best, LM.
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