Family day shot

[Stina3246]

I shot a family day event for a highschool reunion and this is one of my favorites. It looks a bit dark to me but I don't like the look when lightened. It's also not as shap as I'd like it. I'd just like to know your opinions
Thanks.
It was shot on Manual
Shutter speed 1/125
F5.6
WB on direct sunlight with a speedlight flash (but I think the batteries were dying at this point so the flash didn't fill properly.)



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

[kstiltne]

It is a bit soft...looks like you missed the focus a bit. Your light seems even enough...the biggest concern I have is the lines going everywhere. Here head is chopped in two which is quite strange looking. Sometimes lines can be used to your advantage, but unfortunately I think it's just too much here.

[Stina3246]

Originally Posted by kstiltne

It is a bit soft...looks like you missed the focus a bit. Your light seems even enough...the biggest concern I have is the lines going everywhere. Here head is chopped in two which is quite strange looking. Sometimes lines can be used to your advantage, but unfortunately I think it's just too much here.

Lines? Do you mean the jungle gym or are you seeing lines in the photo that I'm not seeing?
She was climbing a jungle gym when I shot it but I only see 2 lines, but one does seem to be chopping her head in 2.

[natek313]

I agree with what has already been said. I would imagine that kstiltne was referring to the lines created by the jungle gym. By her head being chopped in two, he/she means that one of the bars on the jungle gym is cutting right across her forehead.

Also, her skin looks a bit too orange. My monitor is not calibrated, however.

[Stina3246]

Originally Posted by natek313

Also, her skin looks a bit too orange. My monitor is not calibrated, however.

I was wondering about that. I can't tell if it's my computer or the picture. I'm not sure how to fix it. I only have Picasa right now for editing. I know I need to get something better but I have to work with what I have right now. Anyone have any suggestions for some other type of photo editor program that's cheap (or free) that's any good?

[aRad82]

It is a bit soft...looks like you missed the focus a bit.

Is it possible that the jungle gym was actually focused on by accident instead of the girl? Cute girl though!

and I agree with the jungle gym bar cutting her head in two...my eye is directed to the yellow bars instead of her.

and try GIMP for editing...it's free.

[Stina3246]

Originally Posted by aRad82

Is it possible that the jungle gym was actually focused on by accident instead of the girl? Cute girl though!

and I agree with the jungle gym bar cutting her head in two...my eye is directed to the yellow bars instead of her.

and try GIMP for editing...it's free.

Thanks aRad82, I'll check it out.