Taking a breather.

[dave.turley]

I took this 'snap' of my grandaughter in the local park and was wondering about composition. Putting her on a third I understand, but the space that's left doesn't contain much. Is this what I'm looking for? I do I need some interest in that space.
I know she has hair over her eye...Apparently her mother likes this look, so what can you do huh? Any other salient points would be welcome, as I'm new to this.
Thanks
Dave

Exposure time 1/250
f/stop f/4.00
Max aperture value f/2.80
ISO 80
No flash

[Surprised]

Hi Dave

I'm quite new to this too. I posted a picture here about a year ago with my son's face 'on a third' as you put it and the rest of the picture relatively blank, and someone suggested that it would have been better had my son been looking into the gap:
Maybe that tip would help you here?

I also find backgrounds for portraits can be tricky: here the bench seems to be coming out of your granddaughter's head, which I'm sure isn't the case in real life.

But I know from personal experience how hard it can be to get even a half-decent shot of a pre-schooler; in this case, your granddaughter isn't crying and her eyes are really clear -- that's better than about 90% of my attempts!

Best wishes,

Surprised.

[dave.turley]

Thanks 'Surprised' for your input. I took 50 or so shots that afternoon, and that angelic little face smiled or looked interested about 2 times! Personally, I like eye connection in photos like this (and yours) rather than the subject appearing to be more interested in something else. Also, there's is, I guess. always going to be a part of a park bench that seems to be protruding from the subject. I'm thinking you get a little lucky capturing anything decent with a usually uncooperative child..lol...Thanks again.
Dave

[PointNShoot]

I rather like the composition. The exposure needs a little more light in her face.

[Surprised]

You got 2 decent pictures out of 50? I'd die for a 4% success rate! I find the 'burst' mode on my camera to be very helpful -- that way if they smile for just a fraction of a second during 10 seconds of cajoling you stand a reasonable chance of catching it.

Have you tried playing with the picture with post-production software? Cropping and/or playing with the exposure could be fun.

[dave.turley]

Thanks 'PointNShoot' I appreciate that.
Yes surprised, I have brightened her eyes already, although they are piercing blue anyway. Like I said previously I think, I've had PSE for about 3 weeks, so I'm still very much on a bit of a voyage of discovery. It's like learning a new language. I intend going through some of my favourite photographs and having some more in-depth fun with levels etc when I have a little more time and have gained a little more knowledge.
Dave