First Attempt at Newborn Portrait...Any/All Pointers Please!

[SandeeWig]

A dear friend of mine's daughter had a baby girl last Wednesday and she's allowed me to take a few photos of her today, and said I can come back whenever if I want to take more. (YAY!)

I didn't have a lot of time today, but managed to take about 50 or so images, and I think came out w/ 20 that I like,and probably 5 good ones that I'll process and give to her. I was thinking about having one printed for her as a gift. She even woke up while i was snapping and modeled for me a bit!

Therefore, I'd love to know what you all think of this. I've done some processing on it, but mostly just a slight diffusion to get a nice glow. I was really pleased with the way they looked SOOC, and we just used the light from a large picture window in their living room.

Please critique the focus, pose, color, do you see any noise? does it seem "processed"?

My plan is to put her name at the top and birth date at the bottom; any other suggestions?



Canon XSi w/ 50mm 1.8 lens
1/50
f/2.8
ISO400
spot metered

Btw, this photo not necessarily the one I'll have printed, it's just the first one I've worked on and thought I'd get some feedback. I hope to have some more up in the next day or so.

Thanks for looking and any/all feedback.

[me_melb]

Beautifulllllllllllll

Try in black & white

[zona5101]

i think you did a great job on this capture. If you were to do some more in post, you might match the whites in the foreground with the background - but not necessary. Very nice image.

[SandeeWig]

Originally Posted by me_melb

Beautifulllllllllllll

Try in black & white

Thank you! I'm definitely going to convert a few to b/w as well...I'm just never happy w/ my conversions for some reason. Maybe that's what I need to post next for critique. Thanks again!

Originally Posted by zona5101

i think you did a great job on this capture. If you were to do some more in post, you might match the whites in the foreground with the background - but not necessary. Very nice image.

Thanks Zona! I did notice the change in color from front to background...would you believe that it's all the same blanket, and it's light green?!

[SusanH1970]

Aimee, I took a stab at a conversion if you don't mind...let me know if you want me to take it down. Pretty nice job for your first newborn, it's better than my first pathetic attempt!

[scubajen]

Great shot---I just wish the front hand was in focus. Cute model!

[SandeeWig]

Originally Posted by SusanH1970

Aimee, I took a stab at a conversion if you don't mind...let me know if you want me to take it down. Pretty nice job for your first newborn, it's better than my first pathetic attempt!

Thanks Susan. I like your conversion...is that a low opacity sepia b/w? Would love to know what you did. I worked a b/w on another image last night...its on my flickr if u have time to check it out. I greatly appreciate your feedback...it was a quick and dirty shoot!

Originally Posted by scubajen

Great shot---I just wish the front hand was in focus. Cute model!

Thanks Jen! Yes, me too! But even newborns move too quick for the shutter sometimes!

[SusanH1970]

Aimee...it's a warm black and white action I used. I adjusted the curves after running it, though.

[SandeeWig]

Thanks Susan! I'll have to play w/ it.

[~AJ~]

Gorgeous! I just love it!