Absolute Beginner: Sleeping Baby

[seayeo]

So picking another subject that would stay still for a few moments I took a couple of shots of my sleeping son.

Things I tried to do:
Pay attention to rule of thirds. The little guy's face and the bear's face are positioned as close as possible to intersections.
The "horizon". Keeping the horizontal line of the playpen base as close to horizontal as possible.
Small distractions. Moved other little things out of the frame. (But only after taking half a dozen pictures with a couple dangley things in the top right of the picture!)

Things I learned:
When you have the opportunity to control the background, do so! I could have draped a sheet or blanket over the sides of the play pen to simplify the background.
No mater how faint the back lighting is, if it exists use fill flash. I could have switched to M and set the flash to the lowest output. This would have prevented the grainy shadow under his face. The reflection of the flash on the bear's eyes would have picked them out and given them some character. If the flash was too harsh, I could have positioned a lamp to brighten the shadow under his face.

No post processing apart from resizing. Once I can take better pictures, I'll start fiddling. Any help, criticism, or comments appreciated.

Sean

Canon A710. ISO 100. Exposure: 0.25 sec (1/4) Aperture: f/2.8 Exposure 1/3 EV

[jiminyClickit]

seayeo, Welcome

Only change (no diaper joke intended) would be less headroom and include feets. You are a testament to "practice is key to learning." And self-critique is valuable and less stingy.

[NaturesPixel]

another idea is .. to place them on your bed on top of a lamby get down to eye level you not always have to get whole body shots .. maybe try some head shots too
if your not afraid place them on tummy while ya shooting .. always makes for nice shots

[oriolhdz]

Hi seayeo:
The tips JiminyClitit and NaturesPixel are pretty good. Another thing it comes to my mind is that if you take photos again take out the bear (I know you want it there). I think it distracts a little bit and stole some of the attention you want on your baby. But that's only my newbie thought.
Thanks for sharing it!

[Saralonde]

Just want to mention your self-critique is really good. And it was nice that you included what you were trying to accomplish and your exif info. Definitely makes it easier to critique an image!
B&W is an interesting way to photograph babies, too, as well as the popular "baby parts" shots (just feet or a little hand). Although babies are seldom still, they make wonderful subjects, and you have a built-in one!
BTW, did you read 10 Tips for Photographing Babies on the blog?

[seayeo]

Thanks for all the feedback! I've been busily preparing for a New York vacation, but when I get back I'll process the input.

Thanks again!

Sean