Too much shadow vs. dramatic lighting?

[aRad82]

Hi guys - this is another one of my little guy. Wondering if this is too shadowed or if the darkness of the right side adds to the shot? Also, it looks as if I did not get both of his eyes in focus...just the right one, but I liked the catchlights in his eyes. What do you think and what can I change?

exif:
ISO 296
f/5.7
1/80s
No flash

[cindy.marnell]

To me, the most distracting part is his left eye. The shadow in the corner makes his eyelid almost nonexistent.

[Abhi]

Even I feel the same as the above poster. The shadow over the left eye is quite distracting. Another light source from the front (with less intensity compared to the light from the left) I feel would have helped greatly. Apart from that its a great photo ...Keep clicking.

[aRad82]

Thank you guys! I agree with you...will work on my lighting! This was just a candid in the living room with him looking towards the window...wish my house had more light

[SusanH1970]

The catchlights are lovely!...but, it appears the focus fell on his nose- it's tack sharp. But, neither eye is sharp at all, and if at least one eye had been the focal point at f/5.7, both would have been sharp. Where are you focusing, and what method are you using?

It is too dark for me on one side, but in correct focus such "moody" shots can work quite well and clients love them. Work on filling in shadows and nailing focus on the eyes and this would be killer.

[sk66]

Personally, I think you did a good job of dramatic lighting...the biggest issue for me is that it doesn't suit the subject....
Babies/kids are "supposed to be" soft and lovable...a harsh treatment like this doesn't suit the "expected"...
Would be great for an old fart with a face like mine....

[ncbcymtechie]

I think it's an excellent shot, but like the two others my biggest quibble is with the baby's left eye. It's obscured by shadow and the iris and pupil are almost indiscernible, whereas the baby's right eye is beautifully lit. Nonetheless, a great shot—I love it!

[LeeR]

Most pros would have tried to get the baby to turn his/her head just a bit to the left to allow the shadow from the nose meet the shadow from the cheeck forming a lit triangle under the eye. This is usually a very pleasing effect and help draw attention to that eye. However, keep in mind what dramatic lighting like this communicates. Remember the old film noir movies where dark and dramatic lighting was used to convey a somber and moody feeling? With the right subject this can be quite compelling, but we don't usually think of babies as dark and somber, nor is this baby's expression consistent with that mood.

[klam]

Originally Posted by LeeR

Most pros would have tried to get the baby to turn his/her head just a bit to the left to allow the shadow from the nose meet the shadow from the cheeck forming a lit triangle under the eye. This is usually a very pleasing effect and help draw attention to that eye.

Also know as Rembrandt style lighting.

The lighting looks good to me especially if that is what you were going for.

[RLucas]

I dig it! The focus does seem a little soft, but the overall effect works for me. To me, babies ain't happy all the time, and like to see more of this side of the personality.

And I will disagree with LeeR on the expression too. I believe it completely fits with film noire. It looks as though he is deep in thought about something.
Now, if this is not the effect you were going for, I don't know what to tell ya?

The only thing I will pick on you about here is the sepia. Try backing off on that a little. It just doesn't do much for me.