Got asked a favor yesterday, tossed this together thoughts?

[SNAPaPHOTO]

I was asked yesterday to save the day and take picture of kids at my church tomorrow for Easter. Apparently something happened with the person who has done it in years past. So in less than 24 hr I put this together, wish I had more time I would have been able to order better props, but Wal-Mart can come through when your in a jam.

My daughter had been playing all day on the playground at the church so I know she is not in an Easter dress for the picture. That would be tomorrow when I will be taking 300 kids pictures for the church.

My lighting was one softbox light from above, and an umbrella on the right.

I know that I am throwing the rules of thirds out on this, but does the set work?

[TX_Gulf_Coast]

Ok, I'll bite. First I will tell you a bit about me...25 year veteran of this, own a 3000 Sq. Ft. Studio and do this day in day out. I actually pay my bills and everything else with this job. I am drawing off of that and MANY, MANY events like this when I tell you some of the things that I am about to say.

First, this back ground is WAY too busy. You are taking a photo of the child and that is what Momma wants (and if you're getting paid) that is what she will buy. NOT the Cheesy decorations from Wal-Mart. In this situation, less is more. Use the Chair to pose, maybe one basket and some flowers, and a bunny. Fill your frame with the kid, but leave crop room so you can get a perfect 8x10 print without an awkward crop. I do this for Schools (Private) on a regular basis. I just looked for an example, but I don't have them at home. Already up to the lab so I have cleared the from this work drive at home. (I will try and get a couple for you to look at later, for reference.)

The reason your set doesn't work, is the multitude of bright colors, textures and "stuff" going on in the photo draws your eyes everywhere and not to the little girl, where it should be. Now, add in the brightly color dresses and spring clothes the kids will be wearing tomorrow, and wow, what do you look at first...

Your lighting is fine. Keep it flat and keep it simple. If you try to make a portrait out of each of these you won't get done until next Easter! (Especially with little ones.)

When you set-up tomorrow, take nly a few items, keep the set simple and fill the frame with the child. If you cut some of the props off with your crop, it isn't an issue because you aren't taking a photo of the props, but the child.

Keep on me and I will post a couple of photos from a recent school where we did spring photos. One prop, a couple of strands of Ivy and a simple scenic Muslin. Mom's rave about how cute the Background is, when in reality they never pay attention to it in the final print. BUT they do rave about about little Suzie!

[Richard A Busch]

while I agree w/ cj too much I also feel your church is very lucky to have you step in, in the time frame they asked.

Richard