[mickeymax]

Haven't posted any pics for a while but took these today. I took around 40 pics and unfortunately a lot of those were just too dark to be any good. These are probably 3 of the best that I'm somewhat happy with although I know they are not as good as I would like. I took them with just the light coming in from a large window to the right. I tried really hard to get the focus on the eyes although she is getting very good at ignoring all my attempts to get her to look at the camera!!
Am really struggling to get good bright, clear photos and I'm sure its because I'm not getting enough light?? Could this be right? If so will the nifty fifty solve a lot of this issue or should I be able to get good available light pics with what I've got. Canon 400d and lenses 75-300mm and 18-55mm.
Anyway if anyone has any advice or tips for me it would be appreciated as always.
Thank for looking.

[Larne]

One thing with natural light is that it is very directional so unless you are looking for a high contrast image you generally need a fill light or reflector of some kind to balance it. The second picture above shows this I think as the child is close to the bed cover which is bouncing light into the shadows to provide a better fill and as a result you have a lighter picture.

A white reflector positioned to the right of the child (left of camera) would reduce the contract and the overall dark feel of the first and third images. Or use fill-in flash on the camera with the flash set to under-expose by a stop (you would have to experiment with that which is why I prefer reflectors as you can see the effect right away).

And ditto on the problems with photographing kids. Give me teenagers every time

[mickeymax]

Thanks Larne you made some good points. I did try to reflect some light using a sliver car sun shade (I know don't laugh!!!) but guess it didn't work. White card may have been more useful. I should have perhaps used a lighter bed cover or even given her a book with whiter pages which might have helped.......all in hindsight mind you!
hmmm not sure whether teenagers would be any more compliant?! I think other peoples children might be a better option, they might find me more interesting.
Thanks

[Summerleft]

White card is a good idea thats what I used when first starting out, or you can get 5in1 reflectors for under £20 on ebay.

As to teenagers dont bet on it, theres always one whos pulling a face whilst the others smile

I mean look at this lotfrom saturday!

[Larne]

You would think that silver would be better than white, wouldn't you?

As I understand it the white card diffuses the light reflected from it giving you broader coverage whereas a 'reflective' reflector gives a harsher and more directional light.

Regarding teenagers ... yeah