drobles

I have started using smugmug to host my images. I like the look of the website and one is allowed to customize the pages. My customers have found the site easy to use and have ordered prints and we have all been really happy. Smug mug allows you to set your own prices at the pro level ($99/year, I think.)

I think I may actually like the prints from MPIX better though. I also think that the thumbnails on mpix are crisper and lend to more of a "wow" factor when viewing the folders with a customer. For the jobs I deem "most important" I print through mpix.

I think the perfect combination would be a site that is everything that smugmug offers with the viewing, print customizing and printing that mpix offers

I use mpix and I do all my editing, cropping, sharpening, first. I would rather have as much control as possible, (without running my own printer all day long.) I have used the metallic paper a few times. It gives a really unique look to the image, although I prefer something with less gloss finish. I used it on portraits (10D) and the skin tones were amazing, I wouldn't use it on everything though. Try it out and see how you like it. The service is speedy and so far spot on.

I was just looking for the same thing...

mpix.com prints on Kodak Endura Metallic Paper. It is my new favorite online print service. I have only ordered prints on this paper once. The images were portraits from my 10D, I ordered the same images on this paper and also the regular Endura E surface to compare. It definitely gives the images a different look, a bit more "punch" with a slight silver reflection. The skin tones turned out nice, and I didn't make any changes between the two orders. I usually prefer matte finish but I liked it on the set I tried, my clients preferred the regular e-surface. In the end, I don't think this paper will work for every purpose, but what does? Try it out at mpix, they are fast, professional, affordable, reliable and consistent.

I just purchased the Adorama Slinger bag. It is currently holding my 10D with 50mm attached, a 24-135mm, a 17-40L and my 550ex, plus batteries, cell phone, memory cards, small reflector, flash manual, and lens cleaning supplies. I love the bag, it is comfortable and easy to work out of, but I wouldn't call it small. I use the Lowepro Toploader Zoom 1 when I want to just take one camera, lens, battery and extra card. Because I couldn't find many good bags in stores to try on, I ordered three different bags after researching the archives here and sent the other 2 back after 3 days. One was the Crumpler 15 Love, cool bag, but couldn't get it to fit my body right (not camera body) I am 5'3" and felt the need to save my breasts, silly me. I also couldn't get it to configure all my gear properly, and I didn't find it very easy to access my camera once I got it in. The other one was the Lowepro Microtrekker 200, great backpack, but was hoping one of the sling bags would work best. Hope this is helpful.

I came across this tutorial a few days ago, haven't tried it yet though.

 

http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=1353

Kristopher

I saw your B/W photo on another forum and if I remember correctly you received some good input and ideas. I agree with one poster who thought the pose was a bit cliche. I guess I've never quite understood the appeal of a blanket on a baby's head, maybe it's just me...

Anyway, in response to your second photo, I've attached one of my versions of the baby on the floor (or "how NOT to do it") and I honestly think it works. I like the lighting on your color photo, keep working with that as a starting point. Perhaps just play around with more original poses. BTW, grandparents are going to LOVE every photo you send them. Good luck with your cute kid!

 

okay, never mind, I can't find my reduced size photo on my hard drive at this moment -lame-o take a look at my portfolio, the pics are under Single Photos folder. sorry for the goose chase.

Check out the related thread on People Photography Forum. http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=005yim

 

You can also find good books on Amazon for the beginner on photographing children/babies. One that comes to mind is "How to Photograph your Baby:Getting closer with your camera and Heart" by Nick Kelsh. I don't own the book but am considering getting it for a friend who is always asking for tips on her baby pics.

 

The only caveat I would offer on getting the digital P&S is the shutter lag. If the "shutter" is too slow, even a 3 month old baby will move its hands, feet, eyes, etc. to give a blurred image. And in the next two months, the baby will REALLY be movin'!

Peruse some portfolios here on PN for inspiration and ideas. Good luck.

I can't give you much info on lighting set-up as I use natural light, fill-in or reflector with infant shots...BUT as far as positioning goes, ask the parents if they have a "boppy" (most new parents do.) It is a crescent-shaped firm pillow used for supporting the infant while feeding. I cover it with a sheet or favorite (neutral) blanket and support the baby that way. If you position the baby semi-sitting, watch for slouching. A 4 month old probably has pretty good head control and is almost sitting on their own. You can also prop them on their chest on the boppy for an alternative. Experiment with different perspectives. I like to photograph babies lying on the floor (cushioned) while I am at a high vantage point. I think the boppy technique would work with twins, depending on their size. A few shots with them scrunched close together could be quite cute. good luck.