I thought it was good - but to people who know what they're doing - maybe not?

[jillmp13]

This is a picture of my nephew (3 mos.) and my sister.

Shot with a Cannon Rebel, I think XSi (oops! it was a gift...)
50mm lens
ISO 400
f/1.4
Photoshop: B/W, Gausian Blur

I really like this photo, but I'm biased because I think my nephew is the cutest thing in the world. But I want to know what I could have done better. For example, my boyfriend thinks it looks posed, which its not, but I can see how he'd think that. The only thing that bothers me about this is my sisters skin, I wanted to smooth it out a bit in Photoshop but I kind of ruined it when I tried.

Thanks!

[Niresangwa]

Cute picture, dramatic lighting, interesting composition, decent exposure. I love low-key!

As far as her skin, what were you doing to fix it? I would say a simple moderate-high opacity spot-clone job would be enough.

[Paul Francis Photography]

I love this shot, well done! My only suggestion for the future is to think about how you frame the shot. I find the dark area to the right a little distracting. But it is a beautiful shot, beautiful lighting, and a beautiful moment.

[jillmp13]

Originally Posted by Niresangwa

As far as her skin, what were you doing to fix it? I would say a simple moderate-high opacity spot-clone job would be enough.

Her skin looks a bit bumpy around her cheek, but maybe its just stands out to me because the baby's skin is so soft and smooth! I'll play around with the spot clone, thanks for the suggestion!

[jillmp13]

thank you! that's a great point - there is a lot of dark area on the right. something to look out for next time!

[dustyrebel70]

I think it's a very sweet photo I like black and white phots and think it's a good photo, but I'm not a professional, I am just getting started playing with my photos

[jillmp13]

Originally Posted by dustyrebel70

I think it's a very sweet photo I like black and white phots and think it's a good photo, but I'm not a professional, I am just getting started playing with my photos

That's ok I'll take any and all thoughts/opinions/tips/advice!! Thank you!

[sheila3]

I'm immediately drawn to the baby's eyes which I think is awesome as he is the star of the photo. I like the shot alot. Yes now that it was mentioned dark to right distracting. Didn't notice it at first because I too am a beginner learning to spot all these things. It's alot to keep track of.

[naeno]

Lovely portrait. As was mentioned earlier, the dark area to the right is distracting, so I would recommend a vertical crop rather than a horizontal. It should draw the picture back to them. Good job.

[Ennor]

i quite like the composition and the subject. Mono really works well with these subjects. as like the others, i agree wit hte dark area to the right being distracting. Also i agree with Jillmp13 and Niresangwa, the skin needs fixing. my suggestion is to use the spot healing brush (photoshop) beforethe mono conversion. don't overdo it as you need to leave some texture for realism sake