First Family Portraits

[Gunny]

I finally broke down and took some shots of the family. I was interested in soliciting some feedback from the community. Posing, I found, was a tad difficult when you are actually in the photograph! Also, I'm not too pleased with the lighting of the background. Any thoughts or recommendations would be appreciated!

Nikon D3
50mm Prime
ISO 200
Shot at f/8 1/50
Used two AlienBee 800's with umbrellas (at 45 degrees from subjects) and one over head AlienBee 400 on a boom (centered with 40 degree grid) for hair lighting.

[coffee]

A wonderful looking family. Welcome to the forum. I like what you did here. It is very challenging indeed even if you aren't in the photo. I also don't mind the background. It seems to be a good color that compliments the kids hair. And even though I like posed shots like this, I lean more to candid shots that are a little more natural and laid back. Maybe tell a joke before the shot to get the kids in a natural chuckle, like the look the oder Daughter has in the second shot. That is indeed a natural smile. Other will chime in that do more studio type shots, I don't myself. Overall I say it's a good job.

[Gunny]

Thanks! I like the idea of telling a joke prior to the shot. I may try that next time! I appreciate the feedback!

[owenmorris]

I to like the background and the poses to,I like Joseph said try for candid smiles and always try to catch my kids off guard for the more natural look.I think you should be very proud of your beautiful family and your first family portrait.....

[Gunny]

Thank you!

[WolfSpirit56]

I think you did a great job with the poses. If you weren't happen with the background you could have used a small light behind you to make the background a little lighter and put a warm glow to it. I think it was a nice background myself though.

[Gunny]

Thanks! It's good to hear people generally think the background is okay. In the end, it's non-biased opinions that I'm after anyway. Thanks!

[julimucca]

These are realy good! I wish I could get my lighting figured out for my studio. I am clueless on how to work with what I have, but I think you did a beautifull job on lighting them all up. You could also try to put a light behind the backdrop. Maybe even give your kids a little squeeze, while you tell them you love them, will get those kandid smiles to come out every time right before the picture takes. These are all definately keepers. : )

[jerryph]

With no background to be concerned with and three light sources, a shutter speed of up to 1/250th can be used and avoid all potential motion blur. It will also have zero effect on the exposure (the flash duration is measured in hundredths or thousands of a second, depending on power).

The shots came out pretty good, but the lighting, because it is even from side to side, looks a little flat. Don't be afraid to play with ratios a little. A wise man once said "if you want to make a picture look interesting... don't light all of it". ;)

In terms of making it better, I would have used a simple speedlight as the hairlight, used the 3rd monolight to illuminate the backdrop to add an interesting shape to the background (maybe gel it another colour as well), and move your subjects further away from the backdrop... giving me the opportunity to blur it out a little.

I also would avoid using anything under 70mm for portraits (100mm or more is better)... one gets distortions that are more visible, especially if you start taking "head shots" with the wider lenses. The chipmunk cheek is rarely flattering. :)

Your shots are very nice, but also, very safe and standard looking. I always try to do aim for something different and interesting from the day to day ordinary shots/positions/looks that everyone else does. :) Always try to make each shot unique and different... not just different from your usual work but more importantly, different from everyone else's work. :)

[Gunny]

Thanks you jerryph and julimucca! Well critiqued and the feedback is appreciated! Again, thanks!

[jomanros]

Hi Gunny! Nice family shots!

[Gunny]

Thanks, jomanros!

[traceybarnes]

New to the forum, this October, I will just say this...
I think your First Family shots are FANTASTIC ! great job ! =)
now, you can just explain the how to's on getting this done, and getting yourself back in the photo like you never left it in the first place !! =)

[johnbiondo]

Great job Gunny! I can only echo what's already been said.

By the way, are you a Marine or former Marine? I only ask because of the forum name. I got out in '99 as a Staff Sgt. If you are, then "Semper Fi"