The Eyes Have It

by | May 29, 2008 | photography, reading | 4 comments

Yesterday I sat outside reading and periodically taking pictures of my kids. One of the books I’m reading now is The Digital Photography Book by Scott Kelby, and I’m currently in the middle of the chapter on photographing people. When I was looking at my shots, I realized that I need to work on one important tip he gave: focus on the eyes.

I’m not sure if you can really appreciate it when looking at these photos which are reduced to 450px wide, but the difference is striking at larger sizes. In the first two shots, the focus is on the eyes:

In the next two, it isn’t:

These shots were taken at the cabin we’re renting on vacation. I love the shot of my daughter behind the heart cutout in the chair, but I’m definitely going to shoot it again later and make sure the focus is on her eyes. I just thought I’d share this tip in case it helps you improve your shots, too.

Check out this shot of my son shooting pool on my photoblog and let me know what you think of the point of focus in that shot.

4 Comments

  1. Andrea
    Andrea on May 29, 2008 at 4:57 pm

    I am reading that book also. His sense of humor is pretty good 🙂

    I need to be better about the eyes – I am pretty good about it, and I can really see when I get it right on. But, seriously, shooting a baby and a two year old, and trying to get the focus perfect every time… ugg. That’s probably why I have nearly 4,000 pictures in my photo folder from 2008.

    Hope your vacation is mind-blowingly wonderful!

    -Andrea

  2. Blessed with 6
    Blessed with 6 on May 29, 2008 at 8:26 pm

    Hello,
    I am going to the She Speaks Conference with you in June. I am excited to read that you have 8 children. I have 6 myself and find that there aren’t a whole lot of mom’s with big families out there.

    I also homeschool and write! So I hope to see you there.

    Loved the photo’s!

    Blessed with 6s last blog post..A Warm Welcome

  3. Trina
    Trina on May 31, 2008 at 8:00 pm

    I love the pictures focused on the eyes. I also love the picture on the Photoblog, what a great view-point. We have missed seeing y’all so much! Come home soon…

    Our Love and Prayers Always
    Brad, Trina, and Benjamin

  4. Miss Amanda
    Miss Amanda on May 31, 2008 at 9:29 pm

    Aww.. those are such sweet pictures! Your girlies are so beautiful!

    Love,
    amanda

    Miss Amandas last blog post..Aww Man!

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