Bath time portraits

[Ginger Pixie]

I'm in experimental mode with my strobist kit at the moment. A friend's baby has been providing me with something to practice on - luckily she is the happiest baby I've met.

Three photographs taken with same lighting set up but processed slightly differently. If I had to choose one for my portfolio, which one should I go for and why?

#1


#2


#3

Exif data
Camera Canon EOS 450D
Exposure 0.005 sec (1/200)
Aperture f/8.0
Focal Length 50 mm
ISO Speed 400
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash On, Fired

Strobist info:
1 flash shot through an umbrella at 1/2 power front right
1 bounced off the ceiling at 1/2 power diagonal left
Reflector on floor level front right.

[XxkmoorexX]

I like the composition of 3 best. Simple, no distractions, nice connection with the subject

[EmyB]

Agree, number 3. They're all great.

[Ginger Pixie]

Originally Posted by XxkmoorexX

I like the composition of 3 best. Simple, no distractions, nice connection with the subject

Thanks for your thoughts, much appreciated.

Originally Posted by EmyB

Agree, number 3. They're all great.

You're too kind! Thanks.

Any more opinion?

[crockny]

I like both 1 and 3, although there's something about the upper lip area on #1 that bothers me when I look at it more closely - first impression was "oh how cute" ....

[ccting]

Number 3, as
a) eye line is great
b) less negative space, that makes the impact of negative space minimum. Unless the negative space has strong connection to "bath"
c) best composition among three pics - the composition design is following the well-established art/painter's composition.
d) Simple (vs complex)

Dear Ginger, (please refer to 2nd pic)
Frankly, as for me (as noob), i can't really differentiate the right arm with the body, making her look fat at first glance. Perhaps you need to use "separation" technique to separate them.. for my eyes to separate them easier.. I don't know how other think, but this is only my own perception.

Why I think like that? I use the basic principle: Near looks sharper than far objects. Her body looks as focus as her face, similar tone,color, shadow .. ..perhaps you need to use lighting technique to make them difference.. i don't know...

Just my sincere view..

[Ginger Pixie]

Originally Posted by crockny

I like both 1 and 3, although there's something about the upper lip area on #1 that bothers me when I look at it more closely - first impression was "oh how cute" ....

Thank you. What is the lip issue? I'm intrigued!

Originally Posted by ccting

Number 3, as
a) eye line is great
b) less negative space, that makes the impact of negative space minimum. Unless the negative space has strong connection to "bath"
c) best composition among three pics - the composition design is following the well-established art/painter's composition.
d) Simple (vs complex)

Dear Ginger, (please refer to 2nd pic)
Frankly, as for me (as noob), i can't really differentiate the right arm with the body, making her look fat at first glance. Perhaps you need to use "separation" technique to separate them.. for my eyes to separate them easier.. I don't know how other think, but this is only my own perception.

Why I think like that? I use the basic principle: Near looks sharper than far objects. Her body looks as focus as her face, similar tone,color, shadow .. ..perhaps you need to use lighting technique to make them difference.. i don't know...

Just my sincere view..

Your response confused me. Why would the negative space be connected to bath?

What "separation" technique? Do you mean a reflector / light source?

I shot at f8, so I intended to retain more sharpness throughout the frame. I could have gone to f1.8, but this was a conscious choice.

But I do not agree that the baby looks fat

[crockny]

Originally Posted by Ginger Pixie

Thank you. What is the lip issue? I'm intrigued!

Looks like five-o'clock shadow!

[Ginger Pixie]

Originally Posted by crockny

Looks like five-o'clock shadow!

Oh crap. I see what you mean. I wonder how that happened... She hasn't got a moustache.

[Nicole]

I'm going to be the odd one out. I adore #1. I think the expression is adorable, I like the brightness of it, and I like the use of negative space. The third one, while really cute, doesn't quite hit me the same way.