Christmas 08 (in 2009)

[Reschsmooth]

Unfortunately, we had to celebrate Christmas a little late, but here are a couple of pics of Alex with his new table and chairs that he loves. Comments welcome (although I appreciate his hand is cut off in the last, but unfortunately, the 85mm didn't allow me to go back too far).

In particular, I would appreciate comments on my attempts at contre-jour (sp). We get some lovely sunlight streaming into our new place.







Cheers PS, as you can see, it has been a while since I have picked up the camera.
PPS, is it just me, or is the use of a postscript on an electronic message such as this completely redundant?

[Geoff]

Great set of images Patrick.
I can't pick a favourite as I think they all have individual qualities which are appealing in their own way.
In the first one, I'd like to see a little more fill flash (or just PP the curves if possible to show a little more detail in Alex's face..obviously not easy shooting into the direct (near direct?) sun in the front/back door though).

This 2nd image I love - the cheeky look on his face is gold! He looks so proud of himself, or the fact that all eyes (and lens) is on him!?

The 3rd image is equally appealing, it demonstrates the age of Alex so well, and his curious/thoughtful little mind..it's been a pleasure watching him grow up on the forum (and irl too hehe).

[Mitchell]

Good to see some experimentation

When i looked at #1 my first response was similar to Geoff's - more fill flash

but, if you are looking for contre jour, I think you need to darken Alex rather than lighten him. Perhaps you could try that with a curves adjustment?

I think the effect works best when there isn't too much clutter and then the silhouette clearly stands out. Perhaps the table and the chair are too much? Could you reshoot with just him on a chair perhaps?

Some ideas...

[Reschsmooth]

Thanks for the comments, Geoff & Mitchell.

Geoff, I was looking at our Smugmug gallery of Alex from when he was born. To say he has changed a little...

The two B&W photos had no fill flash, just available light. The 3rd had a bit of fill bounced of a side wall in front of Alex and to my right.

I may try again in the future.

Cheers

[zafra52]

I like the the first two. I wonder if what you need is to play with the curves and give a bit more contrast.
However, Alex's impish expression is too charming to make the second picte a counter-light.
I would crop the image tight and capitalise on his expression with more contrast and perhaps add a grainy effect.
The last one, as it is can be fixed byt cropping the subject tight with a bit of room for some of his toys - perhaps a square format?