Aaden with the "one-eye"

[aRad82]

I am extremely new at photography and post-processing. This is my friend's baby and she loves the pic, but I wanted some critique regarding it. I know some parts are blown out a little bit...but I kind of like that in some pictures...I don't know...what do you think? Any and all critique is welcome. Thanks!



EXIF:
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel XSi
Lens: Canon 18-55mm
Exposure: 1/100s
Aperture: f/5.6
ISO: 400
Focal Length: 35mm
No flash

[cowgrlsheart]

Hey...for a just starting photographer, this is fantastic! I too love the blown out look with very sharp contrast in the black and white. It's hard to take a really great picture of a baby when someone is holding them. I would eliminate that tiny peice of the holder's face that is just coming in on the edge of the photograph. I noticed it immediately. Also, try going a little more fill-the-frame with the baby, or, do more of the person holding it. Whatever look your going for is fine. There's really no real right and wrong in photography as long as you keep the main rules. This is a beautiful picture.

[aRad82]

Thank you so much Cowgrlsheart! I hadn't even noticed that piece of my friend's face at the side! Amazing what another person looking at it can find! I will experiment with cropping it differently as well. I do have a question though. I discovered the unsharp mask tool and I LOVE it...used around his eyes and mouth. But when I looked closer at the picture, I can see the "sharpening" around his eyelids where I freehand selected - my friend doesn't notice it, but I'm sure any photographer would. Do you have any editing tips so that I can blend that better? (I use GIMP...hopefully photoshop is in my future!). Thanks again!

[aRad82]

Re-cropped.

[kstiltne]

The best way to avoid that noticeable line is to feather your selection a bit. I don't really remember GIMP very well, but after you choose your selection tool, there will be an option to "feather edge" somewhere. Play with that level until you get a nice soft transition from your eyes to the skin.

[aRad82]

Thank you kstiltne - I tried again and found where to "feather edge" w/ the selection tool...easy enough...thanks a bunch!