[Jaro]

Hello everyone,

Here is the dilemma, I'm not pro. Photographer, but I do think of becoming one. But before that, this shot I've made few days ago. Well, parents of this baby and other people (not pro. photographers!) absolutely in love with this portrait, as in fact with few previous as well, that I've made. They obviously can afford studio, but every time calling me.(I'm glad they do).
The question is, why people (not pro. photographers) like what I do (not only friends) and pro. Photographers in most cases don’t like???
Whats wrong with me??

[Rob Barron]

Jaro my friend, you have yet to learn the golden rule of professional photographer. It is this:

It doesn't matter one jot what the professionals think. When you do a job, you have to please the paying punter. If they are happy, it's a good shot.... end of story!

This picture is a charming picture. Yes I could pick a few technical faults with it but why should we when it is a picture that would be loved and treasured by the child's parents for years and years to come? Lovely stuff matey so just keep doing what your friends and family like.... and especially those who see your work and decide on the basis of that to book you. They like it, they want to pay you for it.... stuff what we think :o)

Cheers,
Rob

[skipper954]

Hi Jaro

I am going to write this without seeing your comments or any critiques, because I don't want to be influenced, so if I am redundent or not dealing with your issues, I am sorry.

In terms of impact, this is great. One gets the feeling of a slightly impish redhead with really wild hair. If this is your daughter, you are in for the ride of your life

Technically, there are several points. First, the focus seems a tad soft. This may be from the compression. Also, kids faces are smooth and textureless, so the focus does SEEM soft when it isn't. But here, her eyes are not as sharp as they could be. Some sharpening as your final step if you use a photo editing progy would help that.

The lighting is ok, but there are too many shadows on her right, and the left side is a tad blown. A fill flash and a slightly smaller aperture might have helped. If she sat still, then a reflector would have been good also, but that is probably not helpful in this situation.

The chair and ? cushion are a bit intrusive, and should have been pushed out of the way.

I know, photographing children is hit and miss....you don't have time to set up, compose, etc etc, so we all have to make do.

OK, now I have read the comments, and agree with Rob....there are only two people your images have to please, you and the person who buys it. Noone else matters at all. And everyone will have different opinions.

The fact that you captured this childs personality is, I think, the most important thing that an artist can do.

So, all in all, good job.

And be happy that she isn't your daughter. If the family is a friend of yours, it will be interesting to watch her grow up!!!!!

skip

[fionaB]

hmm i thought it was a wee boy! lol

who was it said that women always know

Fi

[Angela]

I don't have children but I've never understood why parents want posed, studio portraits of their children. I find they can be quite sterile and aren't often a true reflection of the child. I would guess that this shot catches the essence of the child and that's what the parents like....and would therefore guess that that's what the rest of your shots do to! So carry on doing what you do!

[jockwav]

It is a very nice shot and something the parents can look back on in later years.

[Jaro]

Thank you all, yours opinions and comments are very valuable for me. And yes, sharper eyes! It looks even nicer now. As for shadows and lights, I'm looking for a good set-portrait lightning kit, maybe couple light-portable umbrellas. I see that using only one speedlight is not enough, but sometimes that is the only way to take kids photographs.
Even that I haven’t used any additional lightning equipment yet. I do have very strong feeling, while photographing kids, they will be busier of exploring my equipment than actually being them selves at home, usually they do have much interest in camera and particularly lens, so basically they run - I run.
And once again, thank you very much for your comments, critics..

[skipper954]

I know what you mean....when I try to take a picture of my 3 year old grandson, he runs toward my camera like it is his toy.

fingerprints on the glass (sigh)