Brooke -
We recently changed horse barns because it was taking 4 hours or more to get to horseback, do horseback, and get home. The new barn is nice (though I do miss Maggie). Mr. Bob wants Brooke to start showing on October 7th. I think mommy is going to say no and just have us shadow our friend Erin at the show. Not ever having really done this before, I want to know what to expect. Plus, I have to buy Brooke all the accouterments for the show - new pants, show helmet, show boots, etc. She is so excited though, so we'll have to do the next one. She is jumping, cantering, and all sorts of things that terrify her mom!
Caleb -
Caleb is playing baseball again this season. His team has improved so much since last year. He is able to catch, make good throws, and hit the ball. We are still working on seeing the ball hit the bat, but his swing is really good. Since Will has been home, he has been helping to coach Caleb's team. It has been so nice to not HAVE to do everything and get everyone to all of their activities. I am going to have a huge adjustment when he starts traveling again.
Clare -
I am smiling just thinking about her. She is incredible. We have begun a bit of the fit throwing phase. The other day Will said something like this - "She is like Mammaw at the end of her life. Walking around with her walker and screaming at everybody." It doesn't help that she makes Mammaw faces while doing this. At horseback yesterday, I really tried to capture Clare's personality. In a couple of these I really got her with that look in her eyes....
Made me smile :)
ReplyDeleteOK, you asked for it. :-)
ReplyDeleteI think the first thing you should focus on is composition. Read up a bit on the Rule of Thirds. Applying this rule will have a big impact on your shots.
Some of these might seem like splitting hairs, but they can sometimes make the difference between an ok "snapshot" and a great looking photograph.
Brooke:
1) Brooke and the horse are dead center. This shot would have worked better if they were slightly to the right side.
Also the horse's legs are chopped off. Generally, pictures will look a little off if an arm or leg is cut off at the joint. In this shot, I think it would look better if the whole horse was in the shot. Or even better if the bottom of the picture was just below Brooke's boots.
Also, don't be afraid to turn the camera sideways - this would have been a great vertical shot
2 & 3) These have better composition. The subject is on the left side and there is space on the right to "receive" the subject. It helps convey a sense of motion.
Unfortunately, they are a little far away and the fence upright is blocking Brooke somewhat and the fence on the right distracts from the main focus of the shot. Sometimes you can't help this due to limitations of where you are.
4)Best shot of the group. They are left of center, the horse's feet are perfectly timed, the dust stirring gives a sense of motion, and you can see Brooke raising herself out of the saddle, looking intently ahead. About the only thing that could have improved this shot would to have been to be more in front of her to see her face better. But again, that may not have been possible for you.
Caleb:
1 & 2)Again, dead-centered.
3)Great shot! sharp focus. You can see his eyes focused on the pitcher. His hands and the bat are a bit blurry - guesing he was swinging it around. A faster shutter speed will help. For sports you will probably want to have at least 1/125; 1/250 would be even better.
Clare:
When shooting small children, it is usually best to get down to eye-level with them. And most of the time with portraits you want the subject to have eye contact with the camera. Sometimes it is ok to have the subject look away from the camera to evoke pensive, thoughtful mood (like your wedding picture, with you looking out the window). But I doubt you will get that kind of mood with a 1 year old :-)
The 2nd shot is great! great eye contact, great expression. Getting in closer and possibly shooting vertically would have improved the shot, removing the clutter of the stroller.
keep shooting!
Thank you so much Dan!!!
ReplyDelete