I’m not perfect, but I strive to be. While I am incredibly lucky to have a surround myself with incredibly encouraging people who adore my photographs, I’ll never let their praise go to my head. I think it’s important to keep yourself in check, sure you’re always on top of your game, always looking for areas of improvement, and while trying to repeat your best work make your best work even better every.single.shoot. , it’s also important to look back at the photographs you took and critique it. While any artist, from a poet to a painter or even a rapper (that’s right!) may absolutely rock what they do, it’s important to remember that practice makes perfect. Likewise, there’s a whole lot of NOT perfect that happens- behind the scenes.
That said, I often go back through photoshoots and reflect on not only what I like/love/did right, but also what I did wrong. I find the pictures I’m not crazy about, which are possibly an absolute mess, and while sticky my tail between my legs I think “what could I have done better to get the perfect photograph?”. Then, I think how am I going to remember not to do that again or how will I avoid that mistake in the future. This is probably a blog post that could go on for ages… However, I wanted to start with this picture as I love it, but there is much room for improvement. So I figured I’d share.
Immediately I noticed Lorna’s gorgeous blue eyes…. Then I notice how much MORE they would/could have popped if my focus was 100% focused on her eye. Note to self: always always always aaaalllllwwwaaaayyysss focus on people eyes. They make a picture POP. Check your focal points immediately after to make sure you nailed it and then, and only then, move on once you nailed the focal points.
Next, I know she was wearing a fun and flattering sundress, but do you? Probably not. I managed to crop out her strapless dress making her looked naked. oops! Get the clothes in there. Mom and Dad aren’t going to love a seemingly nude photo of their child.
Lastly, take two seconds to fix her hair. It’s not terribly messy, but with a quick swoop her hair would have fallen much nicer on shoulder/back. On the positive, I love the flowers and how they match her eyes and his shirts. I also love the border or frame they create around Brennan and Lorna to bring the focus- your eyes- directly to them. This is more of a note to self kind of blog post, but hopefully it kind of helps you understand how the little things can make a big difference when taking pictures.
Cheers & Be Mine, amanda
Love this!!