Michelle Window Lighting- Finally

I'm sorry this has taken so long to post. I got it done right away but just haven't been able to take a minute to sit down and post it. I learned a lot from this exercise and only hope to absorb and actually use what I learned. Thanks so much for doing this, Erin.

So this first pictures is of Sydney with the door shut and just the camera flash. I couldn't find good window light in my house, I always struggle with that, so I just opened the front door and did it right next to it. I learned I really don't like camera flash as sole lighting source. I already knew that though. :) But it is a good reminder. You can see the super harsh shadow behind her and she is a bit washed out. On some of the other pictures you could see a big glare in the wood behind her. This one you can't see the eyes well, but others had that yucky flash eye thing going on too. So good reminder- flash lighting not my favorite.

Next one is the door open with flash lighting as well. In this one the flash shadow isn't quite as harsh. She may have been a little too close to the wood but it can be tricky not only to have kids cooperate but also to get the background, lighting, and space to all work out well.

And last is the just with the front door open and no flash. I definitely like the lighting much better. No wash-out on the skin, no harsh shadows behind her. It's interesting to even just look at the wood behind her and see the change in color. The only thing I think I would have changed was to face her a little more towards the door so I could see more of the catch-light in her eyes. They aren't 'dead' but I think they could use a tad bit more. Again, getting everything perfect while working with a kid is a bit difficult. But overall, this is my favorite.

Thanks again Erin. I am really learning while doing this. Now off to the next one. I am excited about angles. I can't wait. Even though they are my favorite, I am trying to decide if I want to do a person who wiggles and moves or a object that stays put. :)

Here is a plug for Mona if she is reading. That hat is from our favorite thrift store. I think I paid maybe $2 or $3 for it. Gotta love that.