Safe In the Father's Arms

[chodeva]

Took this shot a few weeks ago at an early Christmas party. had rented a 580EX (of which I wasn't too sure on how to get the best out of) and so was able to light the subjects by ceiling bounce in a fairly low light room. converted to black and white, and adjusted the 'blacks' in LR to get the rather dark background.

#1

Safe In the Father's Arms by Chodeva, on Flickr

#2

Safe In the Father's Arms II by Chodeva, on Flickr

[Nathaniel]

Re: Safe In the Father's Arms

Very nice. How does this look in colour?

[chodeva]

Re: Safe In the Father's Arms

Very nice. How does this look in colour?

thanks Nathaniel. I know you love colour so will edit post and include the original colour version

[Trevoreast]

Re: Safe In the Father's Arms

Lovely shot ! I like both, although I prefer the colour version as the subjects look much 'better lit'. The unwanted BG could be darkened on your computer.

It would have been nice (IMHO) if the babies hand was on dad's shoulder, although it doesn't spoil the shot.

Trev

[briansquibb]

Re: Safe In the Father's Arms

I prefer the monochrome version - mostly because of the background in the color version which is untidy and the 2 lights on the wall are distracting

[mikep]

Re: Safe In the Father's Arms

Nice images Donald.

I prefer the mono, as it gives better contrast (especially in the faces) on my un-callibrated monitor! It also shows what can be achieved with a little PP play!

Thanks for posting. All the best, Mike.

[Trevoreast]

Re: Safe In the Father's Arms

I prefer the monochrome version - mostly because of the background in the color version which is untidy and the 2 lights on the wall are distracting

Yes I suggested that could be addressed in post if required,

Looking at the two images I think in making the bg darker in the black and white version Donald has darkened the tones in dads hair, causing it to merge with the dark BG - it looks like extreme light fall off and perhaps is not as flattering.

Same thing with the shadow under dads chin and the side of the babies head. In the B&W version the gradual natural shadow becomes a dark void.

It all depends on "the look" you want to achieve, there's no rights and wrongs, as such :-)

Not sure what level of crit you want Donald, and I hope you're not offended.
Please feel free to disregard my opinions :-)

Trev

[chodeva]

Re: Safe In the Father's Arms

Not sure what level of crit you want Donald, and I hope you're not offended.
Please feel free to disregard my opinions :-)

Trev, as much crit as possible. it's the reason I joined the forum because most times you dont see what other people see, so the crit helps me improve. Thanks for the points raised

[stefcio]

Re: Safe In the Father's Arms

I am no expert but the black and white does it for me. Stefan.

[Trevoreast]

Re: Safe In the Father's Arms

converted to black and white, and adjusted the 'blacks' in LR to get the rather dark background.

From looking at the colour version I can see you have captured a better lit shot that the current B&W version would suggest.
If you look at the babies eyes, in the B&W version you'll see the pupil has merged with the iris. Again, if it's a contrasty but less detailed look you're after then the current B&W version is OK.
The pattern and detail in dads shirt works well in B&W as does the difference in tones between the babies top and the shirt.
　
Looking at the dark Background: if you ever wanted to make it darker in the camera you can use a shorter shutter speed.
Your exif shows 1/30 - a stop and a half faster and it would be deffo be near black/ very underexposed.
A faster shutterspeed for babies is good too, although the flash can freeze motion you can still end up with some form of motion blur particularly in lower light like this, and this type of shot.

I think you've done really well, with an unfamiliar flashgun in a party environment were sometimes you may have had to work fast and decretely, in less than ideal photography condtions.

Trev

[chodeva]

Re: Safe In the Father's Arms

thanks for the detailed crit Trev. I agree the colour is better lit and shows more detail. Was very happy with it until I revisited the raw and saw 'differently'. good points raised to consider when shooting as well as processing.

[bilbo]

Re: Safe In the Father's Arms

Nice one Donald, the B/W does it for me. thanks for showing the comparison.

bilbo

[Nathaniel]

Re: Safe In the Father's Arms

thanks Nathaniel. I know you love colour so will edit post and include the original colour version

I like the colour version better. It might be better IMO to crop the left side a bit more so that the picture is in more or less portrait mode- showing the father and child better.