My Youngest Son

[Mistyn]

This is the first photo I have put up for Critique. How is the lighting and composition of this shot? Do they work and if not, what would you have done differently? This image is SOOC, as I have not even attempted PP yet (Im a little scared, lol). Im new to photography and Im still learning it all, so any and all CC is welcome! (Not sure how to post EXIF? This photo is on flickr, so hopefully you can get that info there? Sorry!)

ETA: I know he has a dirty face.. we just got done a picnic lunch outside & hadnt cleaned up yet, lol..

[SusanH1970]

Awww, he's cute! But, as far as CC goes:

He's underexposed, and there is no light in his eyes, giving them the "black hole" look. Compositionally, he's very centered, he's chopped off at the elbow and hand, and he's got feet growing out of his head and shoulder. I'd like to see more room above and below him.

It's a very cute idea and I see what you were going for. Good for you for getting down to his level! Your focus looks good, his eyes are nice and sharp.

Next time around, try for getting him out of dead center of the frame, and have him keep his feet down. Shoot from a bit further back so you don't chop him off. Was this shot on an overcast day? Try using something for reflection (if you don't have a reflector, a piece of white foamboard from a craft store works in a pinch) to bring some light into his eyes.

Good for you for asking for critique! Now get out there and keep shooting, you're off to a good start.

ETA: I pulled your EXIF for you from Flickr:

Exposure: 0.005 sec (1/200)
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 120 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Off, Did not fire
Metering mode: Center weighted average


1/200 at ISO 100 is probably the cause of the underexposure. Try lowering your SS next time, that will help. Also, you can try spot metering and meter off his cheek.

[Mistyn]

Thank you for your suggestions! I didnt see the spot metering suggestion until I just got back in from trying that shot again.. BUT I did just change it on my camera for next time.. Is the composition & exposure a little better on this one? I dont have any kind of reflector, so that part Ill have to wait to try again..



Exposure: 0.008 sec (1/125)
Aperture: f/5.0
Focal Length: 100 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Off, Did not fire

[Mistyn]

Hopefully thats all the EXIF data you need.. If not, its on flickr..

[SusanH1970]

WOW What a difference! Do you see it too? He's so much brighter, and now that he's properly exposed, even without a reflector there is a touch of light in his eyes. For SOOC this is exceptional - you can always brighten his eyes in post. Much better composition in this one, too. I normally don't like that much negative space, but with the dandelions it works for me in this case. Well done, and good for you for getting right back out there to try again!

I wish there was a "high five" smiley, LOL!

[CiiVii]

Much better! And his face isn't dirty! (I don't own any children, so seeing pics of kids with food on their faces grosses me out.. lol)

[Life in Motion]

second picture is much better. ciivii's comment made me laugh out loud... (you don't "own" any children) lol. you purchase things you own with money from a store...lol.

[SusanH1970]

Originally Posted by Life in Motion

second picture is much better. ciivii's comment made me laugh out loud... (you don't "own" any children) lol. you purchase things you own with money from a store...lol.

Heehee....the amount of money I've spent on my kids, I consider them bought and paid for!

[Life in Motion]

so susan you have a point lol . but which came first the pain, suffering, and laboring to "have" children or the money invested over the years lol