Is it already time to put the tree up?

[y33dave]

Getting to know my new EOS Rebel -

I have a lot to learn!

what do you think of these un-edited photos?

[BillB]

Getting to know my new EOS Rebel -

I have a lot to learn!

what do you think of these un-edited photos?

Its all about the light. How to get enough into the picture and make it appear natural. I also have a Digital Rebel and it took lots of experimenting to find how to pre and post prepare my shots to expose the scene. I use a Canon Speedlite attachement that replaces the on camera light and it works great. There are a few models to choose from and they are not that expensive and all have a way to diffuse the light (I wrap the light lens in some bubble wrap to break up the flash effect) so that it does not appear like you are pointing a spot light on the scene. Your tree picture would certainly benefit from throwing some diffused light on the ceiling above the child and also by using a wider angle by stepping back a bit and centering the child yet still capturing more of the tree, if not the entire tree alongside.

[hondafan]

I like your second shot of the ornament. What lens did you use? I have the Pentax K10D and the IST DS myself...and enough lenses to fill the box of my Ridgeline! Buying the camera is the cheapest part of this hobby. Have a look at www.betterphoto.com, it's an interesting site.

[swampler]

Originally Posted by hondafan

Buying the camera is the cheapest part of this hobby. Have a look at www.betterphoto.com, it's an interesting site.

Seeing those prices makes me appreciate the free feedback I get from photography forums. Everyone who responds may not be professionals, but you can pick up very constructive advice.

[hondafan]

I took a few of the tree this year in a bit of a hurry. Looked way to bright. I have the Pentax flash and forgot all about using the built in diffuser or angling it and bouncing off the ceiling....all I want for christmas is a memory!!!! Must be old age! I'm going to try again and see if I can get them as nice as yours.

Oh ya...along with the new memory....I wouldn't mind a bug deflector....