Chapter 3 - Sidelight

[shamrock]

I really like the way this one came out.  Im not sure if this completely qualifies as side lighting but I think it's pretty close.  It may be a cross between back and side.  The sun was at about a 45 degree angle infront of me already behind most of the buildings around us.

[goldcoastgolfer]

It's a great perspective and once again fantastic composition. and I think it qualifies as side lighting

Do you have a higher resolution version of this photo?  I ask because from the one you've posted, it looks like the camera has focussed on the boards of wood just in front of your model making her features a bit soft.  The general rule of thumb is to make sure the eyes of your subject are always sharp.

Mind you, I can't be 100% sure based on the image you've posted because of the resolution.  That being said, it really is a great photo.  You have a good eye for composition from what I've seen so far.

[shamrock]

After looking again I think your 100% correct, the focus is just in front of her.  Still have a lot to learn.  Thank you so much for the response, compliments and critique.  The information gained here is priceless.  I think this one should be higher resolution.

[goldcoastgolfer]

I've found when I first started off I didn't quite have the focus right either - I'd be focussing on an ear, or the tip of a nose.  These days I'm very conscious of the focus mode that I use which makes a big difference to the overall sharpness of my target subject. 

Something else to keep in mind

Looking forward to your next post!

[valerie]

I captured my grandaughter in front of a window and had her hold a gold reflector in her lap.  She is always a willing subject.  Please give me feedback as I am very eager to learn.  I can take it (good or bad).. Thanks, Valerie

[goldcoastgolfer]

The pose again is very natural and nicely done.  It looks to me that there is a bit of noise in the photo.  Can you let me know what settings you had your camera on?

[valerie]

Malcolm,  Thanks again!  I am just now experimenting in Manual mode and I have a lot to learn.  This was taken with a Nikon 60mm Micro Lens at f7.1, 1/50sec with ISO 3200 on a Tripod.  I do not have a remote yet.  That is on my list.  Could this have been part of the problem?  Valerie

[goldcoastgolfer]

And what camera body?    The ISO 3200 is fine on some camera bodies - mainly the newer models but in some of the older models it still creates a bit of noise (I go up to ISO 6400 on my D7000 but usually do a bit of noise reduction post processing). 

[valerie]

Sorry Malcolm,  My Camera is a Nikon D5000.  I tried to eliminate some of the noise in Photoshop elements after your comment but I'm not very good at it yet.  Still just learning by trial and error.  Valerie

[goldcoastgolfer]

No problem.  I'm not sure how well the D5000 shoots at ISO 3200 but perhaps take a few more photos at that ISO in different light to understand how sharp and how much noise you get at that ISO.  It may be that you want to shoot at no higher than ISO 1600 or an ISO in between.

If you can't beat them, join them - try adding some grain and make it a grainy film type photo that has more of an artistic, old feel to it