I've been requested to shoot for a second go around

Remember this baby I shot? They've asked me to shoot him again. I feel I've learned a lot in a couple of months (since the last shoot) and I want to make sure the things I learned come through in the next shoot. Looking at the photo below, what can you tell me that will yield even better results this time around?
I notice the focus is a little soft, and there is no real definition. Do you have any suggestions? I asked ahead of time what colors the baby would be wearing. It's red and white, most likely subdued (not like Santa).
Thanks

Very good shot. Watch that tall grass in the foreground. Good perspective on this one.

I agree that the foreground needs tidying up. I would also try different lighting approaches for the face. Unless you have plenty of stands, don't forget to bring an assistant to handle the reflectors and scrims. More ideas -

digital-photography-school.com/3-tips-fo...s-in-bright-sunshine

enchantingkerala.org/digital-photography...modifiers-scrims.php

neilvn.com/tangents/2010/01/04/combining...h-and-ambient-light/

Kelly Cook

I went to the place we're going to shoot and did some pre-shots using my 'on-call' model. Here's what I came up with. I found some good spots. Granted, my model is 6, the subject is 8 months. But here's one of the locations I found. Is it too busy in the background?

In my view the issue is more too distant than too busy. For a baby picture I would want to keep the environment pretty intimate. And again, the foreground is a bit much. Nicer lighting than the picture in the OP. Though I would be tempted to cut the direct sun more with a diffusion panel or skrim.

Kelly

Here's another test shot from today. I'm mainly going for background and exposure here. I didn't try to capture a pose. I like the overall turn out. It's a good starting point.

j3 by DaJa Photographs , on Flickr

I agree, that exposure and lighting is right in the zone. Might add a little flash to perk up the eyes. Somehow I'm still uneasy about these woodsy environments for baby shots. But hey, if that's what the clients want ...

What matters most is how to place the subject in the photos... The composition and angles are extremely important in framing the baby, I recommend shade, get lower to the baby height , use a gray card if you have no lightmeter, then you create your portraits, this is where you have to be creative (your style)... Use continous shots, and make sure your memory card has plenty of room on for lots of shots as babies are unpredictable ... I love the tall green stalks in the background behind the baby in the first photo, the foreground reduce the grass as much as you can... Use flash if you happen to be in harsh light but I dont recommend using harsh light.. Compose the baby in the location with objects that are tasteful and colorful to the childs and viewers eye, this may include babies toys, the leaves and greenery...

I agree with Adriana here, Adriana has given you lots to think about, the only thing i would possibly add would be...depending on how long you have the baby for, is a change of clothing, give a variety of shots, yes it may be hard for babies to pose thats where the toys and other items for the baby to play with and have an assistant to shake a rattle to get babys attention. I would take a white card/reflector think it would save using on flash and would give a more definition to the photo by bouncing some of the available light into the shadows/dark areas on the baby.

I do remember the first one, and I agree it seems soft - it looks like maybe the rim of the basket is more in focus than the little guy?? As others said, it would help for the setting to be at his level rather than the tall grass etc.

If he's going to be wearing red and white, the green and maybe blue or a bit of yellow could work together (I'm thinking jewel tones). Maybe the greenery could be a nice background; with their dark hair your boys look good I think in the blue they're wearing against the green background.

I'd keep an eye on the blanket etc., it's kind of distracting in that first photo (white color and bunched up) - maybe go with a color/pattern that works with what he's wearing, and watch that it stays put (yeah right, that'll happen!!) - keep checking it and rearranging as needed (unless he's at the age that he's not staying on a blanket anymore).

It might help to have the area ready and your camera set before you get this little guy into the scene, you may have to frame and compose efficiently to get the most out of the time while he's alert and having fun (or if he's at the age that he's on the move you might want to let him get a little of that out of his system, or catch photos of him on the move). I'd go with what the parents say he'd respond to (favorite toys, people's faces, adult making noises, etc.) When I did home visits for my job, I didn't expect young children to last even an hour session (part of my scheduled hour was for discussion w/the family etc.) so I'd be prepared and make the most of the time and take breaks as needed.

The first photo of your son is really nice, sharp and the color's good, and his facial expression is great - I think that's a keeper.

I think the second test shot is the best... He seems to be popping out because of the soft focus of the background. There is also no distraction in front of the subject which is good. The lighting is right on target as well. Keep it simple John.

In your original shot of the baby, it just seems to be flat. There is nothing there to bring some character tor the baby. Experiment with the lighting on the day of the shoot. I would have cropped in more on the shot as well as softening the background... Good luck and hope to see some to of the shots you get.