Ashanali

There's little you can do to save that one

love that first one DD

I know two finalists in the portrait category (the girl in the picture frame hanging from the tree and the 'reverse portrait' looking through the glasses to the kids playing on the beach)... I only pulled out three of those photos and said, "wow" when I was looking through all the finalists. I agree - I think the judges have tried too hard to find their finalists this year and overlooked some great work. This is what I voted for Bokeh: "Alleyeska Photo5 Bokeh" - I like that they didn't stick to something easy and even though it isn't sharp, it still works and has great colour, composition and a "magical" appeal. Close up: "100's and 1000's" (the one on the spiderweb) - The brief was "close up" and how much more close up can you get? You can even see bead on the spider's webbing. Portrait: I was torn. I loved my friend's one with the photo frame but I also love, "Black, White and Read All Over" - that is what got my vote. Very effective use of negative space and creative portrait. Splat: "Bathe My Way" - How can you not love this? In the midst of all that colour and chaos, the photographer has still been able to draw your eye in to the pink milk splash. That is skilled. Practically Black: "lawrencew" (the one in the ballarat alley way). The brief said they were looking for dark and moody and this is. It is excellent in terms of composition and there is still detail in the shadows. It's skillfully seen and captured.

The finalists are up on the canon photo5 site now. I didn't see any DOLers work there

The second image is the better image as you haven't used a flash. A flash sitting on your camera tends to wash your subject out and make them appear to have no depth. A LITTLE TIP FOR THOSE WHO SHOOT IN RAW - Use Auto white balance on your camera and correct it in LR or ACR. The programs are more effective at getting it right than your in camera settings.

btw - you could always try a self portrait. Go and search self portrait groups on flickr - you can definitely be creative and get something great even when shooting yourself.

The first one. Who can resist a man in uniform? Why is he sitting in a tree? Unless there is a story there, this sort of photo verges on corny. It's up there with drawing a love heart in the sand or having a couple play 'peek a boo' around the sides of a tree. (not trying to be mean, just letting you know how photographers will see it).

Subject it too close to the window. The lighting appears very harsh and over exposing parts of the face. You can see the curtain. The subject seems to be missing half his head. Since nobody else had a go at it... Yep, he's too close to the window and the light is way too hard (I could have brought this down in LR or PS but that defeats to purpose of trying to get correct exposure in the camera.) The curtain isn't so much of an issue, neither is missing the back of his head AS LONG AS the cropping is appropriate. If there was too much curtain or too much of his head cut off, it would become irritating to look at (so yes, you're on the right track) Other issues, the focus point is the eye further away from the viewer. It should be on the eye closest to us. Also it's neither a profile shot or a 3/4 shot. If you're going to take a shot side on, it should either be a full profile OR a 3/4 angle (and yes, I'm aware that I've actually made the same mistake in the backlit example, I was in a hurry with my reluctant model and didn't make sure it was perfect.) Well done Ravyk

I need to get out into more thread but I don't have the time. Other people are free to use the same sig if they want

Ah ok, Maybe it was just a trial version?? Lightroom is adobe lightroom like TN said but it is a program in its own right nothing to do with PS, they have to be purchased individually. Have you seen this thread http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?show...176679&st=0 I have PS CS4 (full version) and also LR (full version) they are not cheap programs and I got mine a little cheaper when I was a student, but seriously (and Id be interested to see what other people think) If I had to do it over again I wouldnt bother with PS, I just dont use it, maybe down the track if I do any Photography in a professional capacity but even then I cant see the need for it, especially if you are only doing basic editing. Sure if you wanna do textures and take things out of pics etc, then there is a need. I guess it just depends what you wanna do. Another reason I dont use it a lot is that I dont know what the heck im doing half the time, I know the basics but thats it. I wanted to do the Advanced PS course this year but it conflicted with work so I had to miss out I was most dissapointed!! TLC - lightroom gives alot of control, but PS is used for fine tuning. You CAN get a decent and printable image straight out of LR, but most photographers will still do a tiny bit of tweaking in PS before sending an image to print.

The sky is nicely lit but using the flash on the camera does nothing for the photo. The front of the image is too bright and the shadow from the dog is too 'hard'. Unfortunately this then goes into the realms of pro-photography with using off camera flash and triggers or even a different external lightsource (like a lamp or even a flood light) to light the subject... anything other than the flash on the camera. You have the right idea though and that is a good thing. ;)

yep, that's Shell. Has she popped yet? I'm doing a newborn shoot with her once she has the bubba. And Alex wasn't sad, we are just tired. We are in sleep deficit mode at the moment (and just very thankful that Angus slept all night last night.)

No problem Pandii ;) I enjoy the challenges, it's just that portraits are my thing so I can give a bit more feedback on them than say, "landscapes". for everyone. Becandarch's photo inspired me to explore window light for you a little bit more. Most of the professional portrait I shoot use ONLY window light or natural light and after I've done the work I do, I end up with stuff like this. That is light from a window and nothing else. No reflectors, no studio set apart from the backdrop. So here are three easy window light set ups that anyone can do. But most importantly, NEVER put your subject too close to the window (unless it's overcast outside) and never use a window that has direct sun coming through it. These shots were taken this morning on the western side of my house... so the sun was still well over the other side of the house. The only post processing was for colour, there has been no dodging or burning, etc. set up one (similar to becandarch's set up) Set up two set up three now here is a test - there are no right or wrong answers, this is simply to get people thinking about what they should be doing. have fun!

It's ok to perve with the rest of us, Bec doesn't mind! ;) except I'm in photographer mode and looking at the photo and subject as an image and not if the subject was hot. I'm in judge mode. I want to a seminar last night on what it takes to be a judge at the Aust Pro Photo Awards and I'm thinking about doing it. However, I will be back with a few ideas that becandarch inspired me with. I just forced Alex to pose for me for a few photos for me (very reluctantly).

I have a couple of things to say but need to get kids lunches ready and send them to school. Gila - great shot! Becandarch - nice composition be back later with more detail

Ahhh forgot to tell you! Mum said yes! I'll send you her number, call her anytime

Just bumping this question for Ash... It's a fine line between candid/environmental portrait during street photography and photojournalism. I don't think anyone will mind if you choose to post the photos. These challenges are mostly about encouraging people to pick up their camera, understand what they can do and challenge themselves.

Pandii - the black and white photo of your daughter is great. You've captured character and you have even lighting. It's just a little soft which means you need to speed it up. Working in Av mode, you may need to go up again in your iso to 1000 (this will start to make your images look a bit grainy with the camera you're on, but they will give you a faster shutter speed). Ideally, you want your shutter speed to be 1/125th of a second or faster. You're still a teeny bit too close to your subjects also. Take another step backwards. Here is one from me taken yesterday. Just a snap shot of Ewan hamming it up for the camera.

Yep, Huga is right. Don't use flash... OR you need to bounce your flash (which is only possible if you have one of the flashes that detaches from the camera that has a swivel head so you can point it at a wall or the ceiling.) Pandii... just going to go back through the photos now.

I have to commend everyone on their efforts so far. Portraiture is easy once you get the knack... it's just finding the knack that can be a challenge. Then once you have the knack, there are so many avenues you can explore in terms of lighting and location. Keep it up everyone and welcome to the newbies :D

It might be a second wedding, but does that make the photos less important?

anything is allowed. Now you just have to keep on posting

Pandii - right track, but you're a little too close to your subjects. I know it's hard with dogs because they keep coming towards you but a good rule to live by is that it's better to be further away and zoom in rather than in close using a wider angle.

bump your ISO up to 800, put your Av to as low as number as it will go.

Disclaimer: (and please don't take this personally) I'll be honest and say that I'm actually not the best person to ask due to predjudices against, 'uncle Bob' photographers. It sends a shiver down my spine knowing that people trust their day, a day when there are no second chances, to people who aren't wedding photographers. It's a damn hard job - so much so that pro-photographers of other genres often can't understand why anyone would want to do it. Back in the old days, I would take a huge amount of xanax to get over the anxiety that weddings gave me (stress about whether I did a good job or not). However, that being said, I will try and answer any questions as well as I can. I would also suggest that you head over to flickr and join the group, 'wedding photography'. Some people there will jump on you much like they do to noobs here at DOL, but there will also be others who will give you great advice (just like here at DOL. ) First things first, you need to cover the basics. Does the bride want photos of her getting ready? If so, you need to arrive as the make-up is being finished (about 5 minutes is all you should need), then capture the dress being done up, shoes being put on, all the little detail shots like jewellery, shoes, flowers, engagement ring, then portraits. Bride with mum/dad, bride with maids (all together), bride with maids individually, then take some portraits of the bride alone. this should take about an hour Groom at the church, you will need to leave the bride about 30 minutes before she is ready to leave. Take photos of the groom with the groomsmen and also his family. You can take journo shots of the groom greeting guests. Remember to check your ISO. Bride's arrival. Photos of the bride hopping out of the car, maids helping her to get ready to go inside, then a few shots of bride and dad having their last moments together before walking down the aisle (no posed photos unless you just want to make sure you have something useable). You head in for ceremony. If in a church or chapel, wear quiet shoes. You will need to walk around and you don't want to make noise. Photos of the boys waiting for the bride, photos of bride walking down the aisle, photos of dad giving bride away. Take a wide shot from up the back of the whole scene, head down the front and just snap the nice moments and expressions between bride and groom. During vows, watch for tears from bride/groom/parents, make sure you capture the ring ceremony then stay close at the kiss follows hot on the heels of the ring ceremony. After that there will be the signing of the registery. We don't pose these shots but most photographers do. Take your lead from the celebrant as they will have done it many times before. As soon as they have signed, walk up the aisle and be ready to get the shots of them walking down the aisle. This is ALWAYS the shot that will give you the most emotion. Sometimes brides and grooms are sidetracked and start hugging family, take those photos! When you get outside, don't stop. People will start coming up to the bride and groom to congratulate them, take these photos. Leave them for about 15 minutes of mingling, then it's family photo time. Family photos are the hardest. Make sure they have a list and make sure there is someone other than you to chase these people up to get through it as quick as possible. after family photos, head off to a location for about an hour with just the bride, groom and bridal party. You need shots of just the bride and groom looking at each other, kidding, cuddling, looking at the camera, then you need photos that include all the bridal party. Then you might want just the boys or just the girls. The best thing to do is direct rather than pose. "I want you to walk towards me slowly, but hold hands and keep chatting to each other". Much better than "stand there and look at me". (check out this link for ideas http://www.laurencekimblog.com/index.php?c...=13&start=5 scroll down to 'posing couples 101' ) When you go to reception, more mingling photos, also take photos of the room details... centrepieces, bonbonierre, cake, all the special stuff. Then you need to photograph the formal entry, cake cutting, first dance, speeches etc. Take lots of memory cards. NEVER EVER download or delete when at a wedding (too easy to accidentally delete a whole card). Take lots of batteries. You never want to be stuck without batteries. If you were anywhere near here, I'd drag you out to a wedding myself so you could at least see how it goes before you're thrown in the deepend. I do know a couple of adelaide photographers and I can ask if they will have you shoot at a wedding if you like? I have no idea if they have anything coming up though. Anyway, hope this helps. Any questions just ask.