Composition and color critique wanted

[elissabee]

I would like to get some opinions on this photo of a 5 year old boy. I have gotten some negative feedback on this composition from 2 photographers on another site. Their opinion is that the adult should have been either fully pictured or not at all. I really liked this composition because the focus is on the boy within the context of an embrace from his mother. I thought this was an image that tells a story. I also think I made good use of the rule of thirds here. I'd love to get some additional feedback, good or bad.

I'm also looking for critique on color here as he is naturally very yellow and I struggled with his skintone. Thank you!


Taken with Nikon D90
Exposure 1/250 at f/4.5
ISO 500
Focal length 35mm

[mynameisharsha]

Um, just sharing my 2 cents here. You have no reason to worry about the color balance, the photo looks very natural. It might just be me, but I thought that the arm belonged to a man, before reading your description and learning that it was his mum's.

Good photo though!

[wenweejordan84]

I think you did a great job !I agree with his moms arm adding to the shot, making you feel like the boy is secure and very comfortable. great shot!

[SusanH1970]

I don't mind the arm, I think it gives a feeling of maternal protection to the photo. The skin tones are looking a bit warm, though. Maybe try doing a bit of skin smoothing on the mom's hand so it looks more feminine? It's just a nitpick but I have man hands so I always notice them in other people's photos, LOL!

[autofocus]

I too, have a problem with the Mom's hand. There are whole chapters written in books on how to pose hands...and I don't think this would be one of the ways. If hands are going to be in the photo they usually look better seen from the side with the fingers slightly curved and slightly open, and not full front view. Unfortunately, my eyes are drawn to the hand as much as they are to the boy's face...I think it too dominant, and competes with the subject...sorry