Baby feet

[Efferus]

I know this type of work is a bit of a cliché but I was looking for a little feedback on composition, lighting, etc. What do you think?



Model: Canon EOS 40D
Shutter Speed: 1/8000 second
F Number: F/1.8
Focal Length: 50 mm
ISO Speed: 320
Flash: Did not fire

[SandeeWig]

Can't see the photograph.

[Efferus]

Sorry about that. I'm not sure why it's showing like that. Trying to fix it now.

[Efferus]

Should be fixed now...

[SandeeWig]

Yep! I can see it now! I love baby feets!

Regarding composition and lighting...the first - and most major thing - is the shadow across the right foot. Unfortunately it is very distracting. Since your flash didn't fire, I'm guessing it's window light...only wish they were over just a bit to see all of them in the light. A reflector would have helped add some fill light to minimize the toe shadows on the left foot as well. Just something to keep in mind in the future.

The composition is a little too centered for my taste. Also, because you were shooting wide open (f1.8) the depth of field is so thin that much of everything surrounding the pinky toe adds nothing to the composition.

I'm thinking a crop that removes the shadowed foot and focuses the viewer on that sweet little, itty bitty, pinky toe will improve it. Leaving in a portion of mama's finger will also help capture how small the foot is as well. I've attached an example, but am happy to take it down if you prefer.

[Efferus]

It was window light and unfortunately my baby is not very cooperative when it comes to me doing anything that requires her to NOT be held for more than 2 min LOL. She kicked and squirmed the entire time and then started crying as predicted.

I will be picking up a reflector very soon but right now I don't have one but your comment is duly noted .

Thank you so much for the comment. It's much appreciated, especially when trying to learn.

[SandeeWig]

Well let me just add, since my comments were assuming someone ELSE was holding the baby, that you did a fantastic job of capturing these sweet feet one handed!!

[Efferus]

LOL, I wish someone else was holding her! I had a heck of a time trying to focus with one hand and keep her feet still with the other while also trying to compose the shot etc. Perhaps I'll try this again with her dad holding her feet. His hands are far larger and rougher than mine for a nice contrast between soft and hard.

[SandeeWig]

Could you try it when she's sleeping? Maybe not so fidgety then? One of my favorite pictures of my son's feet are in his father's hands. They look so small and perfect. He was just 2 months old then. Seems like yesterday, but it was over two years ago.

Congratulations on your new little one!

[Efferus]

Aww, very sweet! I love how they spread their little toes.

I would have tried when she was asleep already except she doesn't sleep so well in the daytime and wakes up at the drop of a hat. Handling her would be next to impossible. This is baby 3 and the most high maintenance of them all. Good thing I learned patience with the other two LOL. I'm just glad I didn't pay for a photographer this time. Even the best photographer would have a hell of a time getting anything worth framing with my "little angel"!