BW kids

[QNormal]

I love my kids, and I love taking pictures of them. This isn't my favorite picture of my daughter, but I still like it. It needs work, though. I have started using GIMP. I can do one or two things, thanks to some tutorials. I hope to learn many more tricks to give my pictures more life and depth.

[jiminyClickit]

QNormal, Welcome

This is a good b/w, even though some of it has lost detail. Assuming you included house, planter, sidewalk, driveway, car etc. because they're part of your daughter's life, this makes a pleasant informal portrait.

I like the basic photo, while still maintaining that no crop of subject's hairline/head/face is preferred, rather than just a little. A tight closeup, where only 2/3 of the head is shown, can be effective. Here it's tentative, as if the framing were not intentional. Still a good photo.

[Nicole]

Hi QNormal, and welcome as well

Posted this link elsewhere, but it might be helpful to you (even if just to read more about B&W) since Gimp has many of the same features as photoshop.

• Getting Good Greyscale Out of Photoshop

[QNormal]

I appreciate the comment jiminyClicket. With my daughter, I am lucky to find her sitting still long enough for me to even focus the shot. Composition can't always be a priority, though I understand what you are saying. Maybe I can take pictures of her during nap time.

[jiminyClickit]

QNormal,

To illustrate crop:



Taking photos from a little farther away will give you the option of having all or part of your subject. After more practice, you'll do the framing in the viewfinder instinctively.

This edit also has lightened eye on right, and minor cosmetic tweaks.

[QNormal]

Thanks, jiminyClikit. I like the crop. I am still figuring out how to do the cosmetic tweaks. I think I first want to get good at composition and lighting, and then enhance my post-production skiils. Following is a picture in which I tried to apply some of your composition advice.

[jiminyClickit]

QNormal,

That's my favorite form. Hair changes so often, you can crop it and still have the essence of the subject recognizable for decades. And it fits a portrait format better, especially in an angled pose.

You have your priorities in order: good photos, then the touch-ups. When the eyes are brighter, later, this will be a mantel-sitter. Good shooting.