Like always this is was a rushed quick shoot since I was losing light fast. I get out of work pretty late and she works on the weekends, its hard to get together. So any thoughts on the pics.

 

djdorifto / Steven

Nice colors in there. I have a couple of C&C comments for you


1: You did mention you were losing light and it is apparent as the shot is slightly underexposed. Your exif shows you shot it at iso 1600 and F4 at 1/320 in manual mode is this wide open for the lens you had? If so you do have multiple choices here to increase your exposure.

A: Choose a longer shutter speed your shutter speed is too fast for conditions at 1/320th given the shot was taken at 38mm. You can safely hand hold a shot as slow as 1/40th with your chosen focal length if you have steady hands.

B: Increase your Iso to 3200 but at Iso 1600 I suspect thats as high as I would have pushed it with a 40D

C: Use your flash, but this would change the lighting dynamic of the shot especially if your intention is to shoot natural light

D:Use a pop open reflector to bounce more light towards your subject, they are found inexpensively on ebay. and they are very light and portable to carry around.

This is a sample of what i am referring to

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-40-X-60-5-IN-1-COL...id=p3286.c0.m14

E: Use a monopod, attach your camera to it this will give you the stability to lengthen your shutter speed and not cripple your mobility with excess gear.

F: alternately another camera trick you can utilize on your Canon 40d is ev+ I notice you shot this in manual, if you went to AV and choosing F4 by adjusting your ev up in low light this will gain you some more latitude on your exposure. Try it sometimes.

If you do not know how to do it on page 93 of the manual it explains how to do it. Link to PDF of the manual is here.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Owners-...-40D-Manual.pdf

There are more ways but the 6 listed above is a great starting point for you.

2: The composition, were you able to move your position any? If so your stepping to your right a stride and forward a stride would have changed your focal point to exclude a bit of the "tent" "roof" at the end of the walkway which is seen in the middle right of the frame. It also would have eliminated the post which is the first object that is seen in the frame. Since this shot is a shot of a pretty lady and she IS the focal point of the shot. The first post being in your frame distracts and detracts from your image.

3: Your model/friend/girlfriend/wife/sibling? Why no smile? Why did she not look at the camera? Could be this shot was meant as a candid. This is a personal thing and does not change the image Im just curious why none.

4: Also the exposure can be changed via PP I could help you with that if you don't know how or have the proper software.

I did do a quick edit for you, shown below if you do not want it posted PM me and i will quickly remove it.
Quick Edit ----------------------------------------- Original


Finally it is a nice candid shot Im just offering you some simple suggestions to improve it.

Hope this helps you.

Dave

 

^^^some good points there.

A slow sync with a little fill flash would have changed the scene entirely.
And watch your focus. She's not in it.

 

Dave! Wow I wasn't expecting a comment like that. I loved it! I will take your advice the next time me and her are doing another photoshoot. I really want to get into the flashes and stuff. Going to do some research and then if i still have some questions or need some opinions on gear i'll post a thread.

I actually 90% use AV, but wanted to change it up a bit that time haha.


03_ap1 - I need to get in the habit to manual focus.


seriously thanks guys!