[VikingPhotography]

Trying out a slightly different style for portrait shots and, as ever, the wee fella is more than willing to be the test subject. I rattled a few frames off at 5fps and this one came out the best, since the slap of the camera's mirror had his full attention



So - does this look/feel "float your boat"?

Technical detais: Nikon D2X, 85mm f/1.4 lens, 1/10 sec, ISO 400, f/1.4

[danpen]

I'm not really a baby person, but it's quite a nice shot. There are a few things I'd change, seems a bit too red, perhaps over saturated or perhpas needs some colour correction. A crop near to the top of the head will take the eyes off the center line. The lighting could be better, the dark shadow on the left is a bit harsh and I find the two catchlights in the eye on the right a bit distracting.

All that sounds like I'm tearing it apart when actually I quite like it, the eye contact is good, I like the way the focus softens at the bottom and the in the background. Best of all, no snot or drool, smashing.

[skipper954]

A bit too red.

In addition, the lighting is different. Obviously (I think) two sidelights. The side of his face are in pretty strong light, and the center is in "shadow". That is probably why there are 2 catchlights in the left eye. Also, the right side (baby's right) is a tad overexposed.

However, as you said, it is a different photo.

skip

[Rob Barron]

I think the lighting is not the best for this portrait. The eyes are pitch black which I am sure is not the case in real life and I garee with the others that the red is too strong.

Overall, the fact that the head is well lit but the body is almost in the background so to speak (not literally obviously!) has made the head seem huge, accentuated by the tight crop, especially to left of picture. I don't think those are strong studio type lights, at least one side looks like natural lighting from a window, not sure. The catchlights though are confusing with the two in the left eye and one in the right.

This is without a doubt a different approach to a baby portrait. Does it float my boat? Well, it doesn't sink it but I don't want to go for a long cruise in it either :o)

As Dan said, I too am not really a baby picture person in that i don't tend to take a lot of them but I do love babies and enjoy seeing a characterful portrait that captures their nature. It is not at all easy and for some, this picture will be just what they like. Just a tad too strong for my liking.

Cheers,
Rob

[skipper954]

There is only one catchlight in the right eye either because the baby's nose blocks out the reflection from the left light, or the reflection is blocked by the eyelid.

(All directions are from the baby's point of view)

skip