Christmas card portraits

I have had a real hard time with these. These are my kids/animals. The first day we tried this, my husband was antsy and making me rush. I dont' do well rushed!

Today, I shot under way too harsh of light. I knew better, but, time constraints and all.

Here are a few of my favorites. Still haven't decided on which one will go in the mail.

Despite the obvious which you stated (the harsh light) I think their wonderful. Very warm shots....good for the heart. Did you consider fill flash? (or is that why the shadows arent over the top already?)

Roman

The last time I used a flash around her she spazzed and, though it would have helped a ton, I was more worried about her spazzing ONTO the kids. She probably weighs 1300lbs and that coupled with steel shoes could get ouchy

I was hoping they would turn out closer to short sided lighting, and use of a reflector would have been perfect. Too bad I had no one to help me with it. Funny enough, my daughter(5) can hold and position a reflector for me. That kid also has a better artistic eye than I do. She made me pull over and photo a sunset because she *saw* the picture in her head.

Anyhow, I saved the harsh lit ones with shadows/highlight in PS2. Which, in turn tends to mess up the color.

I do think my favorite at the moment is the one with my horse eating my son. That one makes me laugh. Actually, this is my favorite, but it was the one done the day before with my husband rushing me. 1/40th of a second doesn't cut it!



And then my other favorite and I CUT OFF HER EARS!!!

Hi Julie,

I think these are sweet photos. And while a reflector or fill flash would have been helpful, I think that you might be being a bit harsh on yourself. I have found that we are our own worst critics. Most people don't mind a small amount of shadow - or heck, even a child being eaten by their equine neighbor.

I particularly like the last photo. I think the emphasis is on your children and not the horse. The horse - just being there - adds something to a very cute photo!

-JM

Very well put James. I would lean twoard the last one also. The children appear to be seriously enjoying them selves and you caught that quite well.

Yes, I am hard on myself. I can see the mistakes so clearly and how easily they could have been prevented. Kids + animals are difficult to get everyone looking good.

I really don't enjoy shooting kids, but these are mine. They are the only ones I like to photo

Thanks for the feedback. Gonna pick one, get it printed and go from there!

I am in the process of trying to create our christmas card myself. We've just gotten ourself three new familymembers but 4 week old Birman kitten are not that easy to get a shot of. I got inspired by your high key thread and tried that approach but I never got them at the same place together:-)

A new attempt is planned during the weekend but so far this is the one that I like most (but my wife doesn't like the high key approach...) To bad that this kitten got a cut around the eyes (their claws are sharp!)

I really like it. I think it is dramatic and works incredibly with a white kitten. I might clone out the eye gunk, but other than that, I think it would make a stunning card!!!