Is this as good as I think it is?

[goldt3]

I've been working on my photography (mostly studying from here and practicing at home) for about a year now. I feel like I'm getting pretty good, and all my family/friends say I am. But their not photographers! lol

This is my daughter, dressed in her dance costume for the upcoming recital. I found her playing/dancing in the street all dressed up and I thought it was so adorable.

What can I learn to improve my photography in this and other shots like this? All advice/comments welcome, I most appreciate honesty.

Thank you!





f/9
1/30 sec.
ISO-80
0 step
29 mm
3.625 aperture
spot metering
no flash, no reflectors, etc.

[BryanPanting]

Its a nice shot, but I think you cropped to much one the right. I think it might read better if the shot was tighter on the left side and had more room on the right. Hope that made sense some. Might be worth trying as B/W also. Just a thought, hope that helps some

[NikS]

Agreed about leaving some space on the right. Other than that - lovely!

[cherrygirl]

I"m sorry but it doesn't work for me. Without seeing a face...it's just not interesting. Good points are the colors and it is pretty sharp. But it would have been way better if she was facing you and not cropped so tight.

Keep at it!

[Underxposed]

The colors and perspective are great. . .Too bad that you missed the rest of her body and her face! If you were captured her whole body then, the picture would have shown the motion that at the time was taking place. Also, a faceless photograph is just that. . .Keep in mind that photography is a form of expression:

"One photograph is worth 10,000 words"

Therefore, when shooting always make sure that your picture is delivering a message. . .Regards!

[Sime]

I'd have to agree, with no face I don't have a real connection to your subject - when people say often that "the eyes make it" ...well, for me, it's true - mostly the eyes do make a photograph / a connection. But, it's open to you to photograph what and how you want, for me, this doesn't work - sorry! (But keep it up) --Sime

[BryanPanting]

I don't completely agree that it does not work with not showing the face. I think you could have pulled it off showing the entire body and had more room on the right. Making it more of an environmental portrait. Just some more of my thoughts, keep at it.

[sk66]

I hate to agree with the others, but it falls a bit short. Here's my 2 cents:

This image is basically a picture of her outfit. The tight crop has removed any "context" which might have made the shot. Some context of the setting and activity could have made it an image about "your daughter doing something" and seeing her face wouldn't necessarily be required. Without the context it needs to be a picture of your daughter, and that requires at least some of the face, and generally at least one eye in order to "connect" with the subject. Lacking both of those it becomes an image of her outfit/hair/or more accurately an image about colors.

To add something positive, it is well exposed, good color balance, the lighting is nice, focus is good, the background falls off almost enough and there is good contrast with the background which focuses your attention on the subject. All of these things are also required for a great picture so you got it 90% right.

[goldt3]

Originally Posted by BryanPanting

Its a nice shot, but I think you cropped to much one the right. I think it might read better if the shot was tighter on the left side and had more room on the right. Hope that made sense some. Might be worth trying as B/W also. Just a thought, hope that helps some

Thank you! this is exactly the type of thing that my family/friends don't know to suggest. I'm going to try that and see how it looks.

[goldt3]

Originally Posted by cherrygirl

I"m sorry but it doesn't work for me. Without seeing a face...it's just not interesting. Good points are the colors and it is pretty sharp. But it would have been way better if she was facing you and not cropped so tight.

Keep at it!

Thank you for the honesty! I appreciate your thoughts.