More Baby Pictures (Help Needed)

[Bassett1976]

I set up to take some pictures of my son again today. They didn't come out as well as I had hoped. It might be partly from the light or being out of focus. Can anyone give me some tips to help make these pictures pop more?

I'm fairly new at this and need to get off of using auto for taking pictures. :scratch So, step by step directions could be more helpful for me at this point. I have a Canon XT with a Sigma 35-135 f/4-5.6 and a Canon Speedlite 430 EX. I also have a Canon 50 mm f/1.8 that I could use as well. I was shooting in the evening but I think that morning might be better as the sun will go directly in the room we are shooting inside.

#1
http://bassett1976.smugmug.com/photos/331238879_5FxCn-M.jpg

#2
http://bassett1976.smugmug.com/photos/331241658_BjFZd-M.jpg

#3
http://bassett1976.smugmug.com/photos/331243356_kRQdK-M.jpg

#4
http://bassett1976.smugmug.com/photos/331245244_xKYWE-M.jpg

#5
http://bassett1976.smugmug.com/photos/331248567_FXhdk-M.jpg

Thank you!

[ShepsMom]

What do you have for light? Looks like you need more of it. What kind of set up do you have?
Not too bad for beginning, i don't think your sharpness is the problem here, more light needed!

[jeffreaux2]

I agree with the above comment,,,but...I think you should lose the wagon/prop straight away. The child looks extremely uncomfortable in it. You don't need props to get great shots of a newborn. Forget about looking at it as a portrait as well. Dress him in a cloth diaper and get in close for detail shots and macro like close ups. Think feet, toes, hands, facial features etc. Abstracts work well in monotones for infants. The 50mm F1.8 will do the job...just don't go too shallow with the depth of focus.

[Bassett1976]

What do you have for light? Looks like you need more of it. What kind of set up do you have?
Not too bad for beginning, i don't think your sharpness is the problem here, more light needed!

I have natural light as my main source. While taking these pictures tonight the sun was setting on the opposite side of the house. I have my flash as well.

[PineapplePhoto]

#4 :huh

[Mitchell]

If you use natural light, don't bother with your background. You're just going to get photos like these with your child posed against a sheet. If you want your white background to look nice and white with no texture, you will need to light it 1-2 stops above your subject.

Stick with some natural light closeups. Until they can move around, situp and climb on things, I think props look silly. This cart is just a distraction in these photos.

In a few months, you can start with the photos sitting in the cart or pulling it around. For now, stick with more natural infant photos.

JMHO

[cmorganphotography]

#4 :huh
Ditto. Big time. *lifts baby's head*

[urbanaries]

I was shooting in the evening but I think that morning might be better as the sun will go directly in the room we are shooting inside.


you might be on to something.