Lighting/cropping help!

[tasmo2]

I did my nieces easter photos yesterday and have spent the day editing them. First mistake I know I made was I forgot to put it RAW! But we shot midday (per my sisters request not to wait until the evening when they were tired) it was VERY tricky with the lighting because of the sun. Many shots were over or under exposed. However I did manage to get a few good ones and this is one of the ones I liked. I want to know should I crop it tighter on her face or leave the hand with the flower in. Also, the hair in the face, does it ruin it or is it fine? She is a VERY active child and I had a hard time getting her to work with me! LOL! I have included the link to my other shots from the day, so please take a look and give me any C&C that you can! I am super new to this, so even the basics I am learning! (I just learned you can use the flash outside and not ruin the pic! LOL!)

Camera: Nikon D3000
Shutter: 1/125
Apt: f 5.0
Iso: unsure (isn't coming up on photo info!)

Am I posting this info correct?

Link to the rest of the shots from that day: Flickr: TASMO2's Photostream

[gjakovare]

Tasmo2,
I actually like the picture as is. I feel like the flower and the hand just add to the picture. The hair, however, may be bothersome to some. I like it how it is, but then again, I don't have much experience.

[tasmo2]

Thanks for looking! I was leaning towards leaving it in also, so I guess i have my decision! LOL! thanks for your input!

[PhotogChic]

This is an absolutely gorgeous shot! The crop is perfect, the flowers just add to the "feel" of the photo. The only thing I would do is enhance her eyes and maybe increase the vibrance or saturation just a tiny tiny bit...bring out the pink in the dress, highlights in her hair...

If you need help with the eyes...let me know...I can send you some techniques that I use.

[SusanH1970]

You can get your EXIF right from the Flickr page - over on the right, click on where it says "more properties". I copied and pasted it for you:

Exposure: 0.008 sec (1/125)
Aperture: f/5.0
Focal Length: 38 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: +2/3 EV
Flash: No Flash


She's adorable! The angle is a bit awkward for me, though. It keeps making me want to turn my head. I much prefer the angle of this one: Copy of DSC_11311 on Flickr - Photo Sharing! , the tilt isn't as extreme (though it is cropped a bit too tight for my taste). The hair across the face is a distracting to me, but that's just my nitpick - I'm always moving hair out of faces when I shoot kids, LOL. I don't like the hand with the flower - it looks like a tiny hand is growing directly out of her body.

In viewing your set, I see you were good at trying different angles and poses. Good for you! Keep shooting, you're off to a good start. Your focus is really good in most. Kids this age are hard!

[tasmo2]

Susan thank you so much for all of your input/info!! I have been trying to figure out how to post EXIF right since I started posting here. LOL!

Photogchic thanks for the input! I don't actually have good photo editing software yet (and im catching it for it! LOL!) I just got started taking pics about 2 months ago, so I haven't even gotten anything except the camera, lens that came with it, and my remote and stand (for my attempts at lightning shots this storm season!) I am looking into a new lens and photo editing software next! What I do have is Microsoft digital, not sure if you can do the eyes in that one?

[slc_shutterbug]

Wow, thanks, Susan. I didn't know how to do it either (exif data.) I feel smarter now.