First portrait for critiquing

[CaitlinLeeann]

So I'm a beginner thought I'd post a picture here.

This was taken with a Kodak EasyShare camera, because I didn't own a camera at the time it was taken. I have no other information about the camera.



Camera Maker: EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY

Camera Model: KODAK CX7525 ZOOM DIGITAL CAMERA

Image Date: 2004:03:02 11:16:21

Focal Length: 5.6mm (35mm equivalent: 34mm)

Aperture: f/2.7

Exposure Time: 0.0056 s (1/180)

Exposure Bias: none

Metering Mode: Matrix

Exposure: program (Auto)

White Balance: Auto

Flash Fired: No (Auto)

Color Space: sRGB

[Qanths]

It's a great shot. The composition is good although the exposure ruins it. You can't do anything about it with a Kodak Easyshare since it's not manual. So on you're part you did great, although I blame Kodak if more people critique about the exposure.

[tott7000]

I like the general feel of the picture, and I even kinda like the overexposre of the sun. I do think the background is too distracting with the little shed, the white poles, the glimpse of the boat, and the box on the right. Maybe instead of taking a picture level with her, you could have stood a little higher to change the perspective and the background, or even moved around a little. I also think the grass on the right is an odd color and it's too bright, my eye went right to it. Try to keep your subject as the lightest part of the photo to enhance them as the main subject. It is a great pose though and it really captures a joyful moment with a beautiful little girl.

[CaitlinLeeann]

Originally Posted by tott7000

I like the general feel of the picture, and I even kinda like the overexposre of the sun. I do think the background is too distracting with the little shed, the white poles, the glimpse of the boat, and the box on the right. Maybe instead of taking a picture level with her, you could have stood a little higher to change the perspective and the background, or even moved around a little. I also think the grass on the right is an odd color and it's too bright, my eye went right to it. Try to keep your subject as the lightest part of the photo to enhance them as the main subject. It is a great pose though and it really captures a joyful moment with a beautiful little girl.

Thanks for that. I'll keep all that in mind.

[donciakas]

i wouldn't sugguest taking photos while the sun is in background of object, choosing a different point of view would be a better way

[ttosifa]

Originally Posted by donciakas

i wouldn't sugguest taking photos while the sun is in background of object, choosing a different point of view would be a better way

Why not? It's a perfectly acceptable style. With a little practice, one can get wonderful photos with flare and the like. Do a flickr search on "sun flare." As noted above, the composition is a little awkward in the photo. The face is underexposed and noisy. But it captures the mood and the spirit of the girl, which makes it good.

[karen_s]

I have to agree with ttosifa. The whole sun flare thing is kinda popular and in it's own way, a kinda neat effect at times. Yah, I usually shoot away from the sun but that doesn't mean it you can't get something good pointing into it.

And, I kinda like the shot the way it is. Has a nice nostalgic feel too it and it just proves if you capture a great moment, it doesn't matter what camera you have in your hand :-)

[eleanor06]

I actually like this shot a lot. It's got a soft vintage feel to it. The colorful shirt stands out a bit compared to the surroundings. Maybe a B&W conversion would make it blend together.

But I like it.