So, what have I been up to lately besides my usual 9-5 engineering job, designing jewelry for Lovely You Boutique, blogging about things that I love, etc, etc…Well, I have been working on my Photography venture! I am all about adventuring into new pass times where I can release some creative energy! These type activities are so unexplainably calming to me so I am extremely excited to formally add Photography to my mix of trades! I do have hustles for days, as my hubby has told me!
But seriously, I was so excited to have my first photo shoot this past weekend, which happened to be a maternity session for one my co-workers who is also a dear friend of over 4 years. Since I am a Photographer newbie, I asked if I could photograph her to assist me in building my portfolio and she so graciously accepted.
To say that this photo session was so fun is an understatement! Besides the last-minute change in weather (sunny turned cloudy and rainy); the photo shoot went smoothly. I think that pregnancy is such a precious time in a woman’s life and to be able to capture that on film for her was humbling.
With that said, take a peek at my first Photo session! Please let me know your thoughts (especially any professional photographers out there)…Constructive “polite” criticism welcomed!
Natasha, seriously this can’t be your first photo shoot, if so GREAT JOB !. Keep up the awesome job.
Thank you so much Vanessa! Yes, this was my first shoot and I have so much to learn! Thanks again sweet lady and have a great weekend!
Ignore my last comment! It wasn’t working until I stepped out of the Bloglovin top bar. I’m a professional photographer, kind of new to the scene – i.e. I’ve been an amateur since 16, but only started my business 7 months ago (invested in a pro camera + lens). I love maternity photography, but we mostly specialize in weddings. I’ve been doing a lot for friends and family too to build up my portfolio 🙂 You’re welcome to stop by my website!
I would have loved to see some more perspective from the side, not as much from the front, I think the side profile of a belly is so beautiful! You’ve got a really great start there with this being your first shoot! 🙂
PS: my website is http://vandaphotography.com
Thanks so much for the feedback Anastasia!! I took over 300 shots but only posted a few here using the free Slide Deck plugin that only allows for a few pics. You can see other pics from the shoot that include some of the side shots on Flickr at mylovelyyou. I will definitely checkout your site. Thanks again for stopping by and I hope that you have an awesome weekend!!
Great job! I’m very very impressed. I like that you knew to use a good a shallow focus for your depth of field – it’s a must for portraiture. The warm temp. images work great !
Some tips:
– For #4 it would be good to alter the kelvin scale to keep a warm image (a good way to deal with sudden cloud coverage).
– I really enjoy image #2 – you pulled it off very well. But my suggestion is to avoid using selective coloring of that sort. In the pro photography world it’s often seen as the mark of the newcomer.
– Try not to cut limbs off when taking a shot (in this case it would be hands – like in image #3.
– I highly suggest learning to meter lighting and using Manual mode (avoid program mode – it’s often inaccurate). It takes a bit of math at first, but after a while it becomes second nature and you know how best to expose an image and not rely too much on post production. If you have a smart phone you can learn more about metering light by getting an app that gets you used to the process:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pocket-light-meter/id381698089?mt=8
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bti.lightMeter&hl=en
All that aside, I think you’re off to a fantastic start. I’m looking forward to seeing more!
Let me know if you ever have any specific photo questions. 🙂
You are absolutely awesome! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts and tips…You’re Just Awesome!
I’m using Manual mode and you honed in on what I am currently questionable about and that’s the metering and photo temp. And Whoopsie about the use of selective color (I thought it was cutsie too :), I am a newcomer I am but I don’t want others to know it so thanks for that tip! I’m enrolled in a digital photographer certification course so I’m hoping to iron that out; I know that it will take some practice and getting used to. Thanks for the links to the apps, I will definitely check them out as well! Thanks again…you’re awesome! Just in case I haven’t said that already!