I suprised myself

[nwtbretts]

Well,
I happened to be testing a new remote flash trigger and once again was hassling my wife. In this shot, I actually was watching the light meter indicator and paying some attention to try and get a nice image. I stopped down one F Stop to try and adjust for the flash that would fire and I ended up with an image that actually made me say "wow, that came out nice". I really feel it was the first one that gave me that reaction.

Post edit includes a frame crop, some saturation changes and drop in colour. My wife did not have on her usual make up (that she lives by) and thought the photo came out well also.

I'm more than willing to take tips but please note: I know it can be better. This really was my first DSLR shot that made me think "this is a really nice photo"

F - 3.2
Shutter 1/5 sec
ISO - 200
Focal 50 mm - Fixed
Flash - Remote behind

[Songman45]

Welcome to the "ah" factor feeling. It feels good to get that sense of accomplishment and self-satisfation. No critique from me. Just wanted to take a part in your happiness.

[Benji]

I can see the flash was behind her. She was lit by a very yellow light (tungsten?)

Benji

[nwtbretts]

The lighting was my speedlight in behind and a standard energy saving light bulb in the room.

Very far from being ideal lighting. No outside light was available at all in this area. Any pointers on the non-ideal lighting are most appreciated.... still very much work in progress

[kewk]

My only critique would be to focus in on the eyes. They looks slightly out of focus while the lips look more in focus. The distance from camera to her face looks close enough that you ought to be able to see distinct patterns in her eyes.

[Joves]

The one shot I see is pretty nice. Hopefully your wife doesnt get camera shy form you wanting to practice all the time. I had girlfreinds who would run when they saw me with the camera after awhile.

[Benji]

Originally Posted by nwtbretts

Very far from being ideal lighting. No outside light was available at all in this area. Any pointers on the non-ideal lighting are most appreciated

NW,

In my 27 years as a working professional photographer I can count on one hand how many times I just whipped the camera up, took an image and the lighting was good. Good lighting is found or made, but seldom does it magically just happen to be there. I suggest going to the Tutorial forums here at Photocamel and check them out. I have several that you may find of interest and there are numerous others that are equally as good as mine.

Benji

[nwtbretts]

Thanks once again Benji,
I know this is very much the start and have been reading and trying out various lessons. It is great to have people (such as yourself) willing to help assess and guide
Now.... back to the camera! lol

[Gna]

Originally Posted by nwtbretts

My wife did not have on her usual make up (that she lives by) and thought the photo came out well also.

Enough to convince her to change her usual make-up?

[nwtbretts]

Originally Posted by Gna

Enough to convince her to change her usual make-up?

No, she just didn't have it on actually I was suprised she let me get the shot.

I can't take the make-up away from her. Price wise, I think her makeup costs more than my camera equipment so, gives me leeway on buying gear.

[oldugly]

I know we are not supposed to comment on the model, but you can tell your sweet wife she really doesn't need make-up. Looks great without it.

[R. House]

I would advise you to allow editing of your photos without having to ask, in doing so you will gain a great option for learning.

[nwtbretts]

Originally Posted by R. House

I would advise you to allow editing of your photos without having to ask, in doing so you will gain a great option for learning.

Sounds fair enough. Made the change.

[poloman]

My shot at an edit...
Selective high pass sharpening. Brightened eyes. Photo filter Cooling 82. Color tweaking in curves and adjustment in levels.
Your wife does not need makeup and her skin is remarkable.
I would suggest not using the yellow lights unless you use a CTO filter on your flash. Benji's advice to study your lighting was sage.

[nwtbretts]

Nice edit Poloman, I take the advice offered to heart and have been studying firstly on my white balance setting. I received my grey card and working on getting images balanced to minimize editing in PS.
My edit was trying to keep the light in the hair from being blown out. I get my brain scrabbled at times trying to get a grasp on the basics.
The talent here continues to amaze me!

[jeff martin]

Originally Posted by Joves

The one shot I see is pretty nice. Hopefully your wife doesnt get camera shy form you wanting to practice all the time. I had girlfreinds who would run when they saw me with the camera after awhile.

I had girl friends who ran too. No camera:O