Blowing out the candles

[ephotography]

This is my first post!

I wanted to know what everyone thought of this photo. It was taken at my daughter's b-day. I am not sure if the background is too distracting. There wasn't much I could do since it was a public affair and people were walking all over the place - kids leaving toys all over too!

[jiminyClickit]

ephotography, Welcome

Someone else can mention adjusting your exposure to avoid the overexposed white shirt and cake. The fine choice of moment-to-shoot got a child's earnest effort to snuff the candles, and a wispy point of interest in smoke as well. That gets a Well-done! from me. Composition and knowing when to shoot are critical, the other stuff you can learn with reading and experimenting.

[Miss Red]

Awww what a sweet photo! I love that you captured the smoke aftermath of the flame that once burned. I don't know much about post editing but wanted to say that I thought the picture was adorable. I know some folks here are pretty amazing at removing background items. LOL

[Robin Sarac]

I love the picture. The smoke adds a very nice effect. I don't find the background very distracting at all. My eye was drawn to her face and the smoke from the candle. The blown out white bits are something you notice when you look for it...looking for something to critique. But it doesn't take away from the photo. Great catch.

[texotic]

pretty cute shot love the mini mouse ears hehe

[FotoMike]

I think you captured the most important aspect of the picture...the moment. As for the background and the blasted cake and shirt, those are little details that arent important to the story as far as im concerned. Job Well Done!

[Nicole]

I think that it's an excellent moment. Your timing was really spot on. I agree that for the most part it looks good, and the blown out shirt and cake aren't particularly troublesome.

For the future, however, I'll offer a few suggestions. I managed to have a look at the exif for your shot and noticed some of your settings:

Shutter Speed: 1/400 sec
Aperture: f/2.5
ISO: 400
Flash: Didn't fire

Ok, so, I can see that it was probably shady where you were shooting. This would probably be a good time to use the flash during the day because it would help brighten up your daughter's face. I would also drop your ISO down lower so that less light is reaching it, so you can use the same shutter speed. One of the problems though is that the built in flash may have a reasonably slow sync speed, so you may only be able to get a 1/500 sec shutter speed if you use the flash. It's all a bit difficult, isn't it? In any case, consider a flash, consider lowering your ISO, and consider increasing your shutter speed (or possibly your aperture so you get the right exposure).

I still think it's a cute shot though.

[WooD]

I have to agree with Robin. I think its a very nice shot.

[ephotography]

Wow thanks for all of the CC!!

JimneyClicket - Thanks! A photog friend of mine had told me that I had the eye for photography I just had to get the details worked out. I am not good at deciding what sittings to use. I am sure that will come with time and experience!

Texotic - She even picked those out herself! She had a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse themed birthday party.

Nicole - Thanks for the suggestions! I am always open to a better way to do things since I am very new and still learning!

I appreciate everyone's comments!!!