How Can I Improve this Portrait?

[lyndajean]

I am a newbie to the photography world and I have a long way to go.. but I took a bunch of portraits for my best freinds daughter on the 4th of July - and this is my fave of the bunch.

I know her strap is hanging off her shoulder and she's scrunctched up which isn't ideal but her face is priceless and getting a 2 year old to sit still is almost impossible. I actually think it captures her pretty well so I'm not looking for critique on posing, just the photo quality. I feel like the backround looks like it was a back drop - but it is the real thing and I like it.

I am waiting on photo shop but did some light editing (adjusted the brightness and toned down the WB) with Kodak Easyshare software.. best I got for now.

Just want to know anything I can do to improve or if this is OK the way it is. any input is helpful, i'm ready and willing to learn

(( I put the flikr link below because it won't let me upload.. any help? ))

XIF data:
Nikon D5000, 55mm
f/5.6
ISO - 400
Natural sunlight

http://flickr.com/gp/50757238@N04/o7fiK2

[Lois khalafalla]

She is adorable that is for sure. I think if you pointed the camera more to the right it would be more pleasing. Doing that would not cut off her feet and would apply the rule of thirds. Keep shooting!

[BigFuzzy]

Hi LyndaJean,

I may be wrong, but since I can't see a larger version I have to comment on what I see. But my biggest issue with it is the sharpness.

I can't see the shutter speed from your exif info below, but so that may be the issue that you need a faster shutterspeed.

I also agree that it's sometimes better to take a wider shot to make sure you don't cut off parts of the body at awkward places and then crop in as you desire.

So, in the end, it's a lovely moment captured that just feels too soft to me. To me, the eyes in a shot like this should be the sharpest part of the image and here they are definitely not.

Still, I'm sure her mom will love it, and often that's all that matters, right?

Oh, I'm glad you got down to her level, so many people just don't do that enough! Still, i would have considered going even lower if possible!

[lyndajean]

Originally Posted by BigFuzzy

I can't see the shutter speed from your exif info below, but so that may be the issue that you need a faster shutterspeed.

SORRY! would it be called anything other thanshutter speed? there's something that says 1/400 sec but it's under "exposure time"

Originally Posted by BigFuzzy

I also agree that it's sometimes better to take a wider shot to make sure you don't cut off parts of the body at awkward places and then crop in as you desire.

good point! will try to be more aware of that during shots from now on... i actually made a mental note yesterday when i read youre comment to another poster in this forum :P

Originally Posted by BigFuzzy

To me, the eyes in a shot like this should be the sharpest part of the image and here they are definitely not.

You're right! you know, I didn't even realize that they weren't too clear. when ever you say "azalyn smile!" she automatically scrunches up her hands and face the way she is in the picture.. so it makes it hard to actually see her eyes sometimes! but I will def keep that in mind for future photos

Originally Posted by BigFuzzy

Oh, I'm glad you got down to her level, so many people just don't do that enough! Still, i would have considered going even lower if possible!

thanks!! a few of them i was on my belly on the ground aiming up but they werent my favorite. all in all, you're tips are very helpful.. thank you!

[BigFuzzy]

Originally Posted by lyndajean

SORRY! would it be called anything other thanshutter speed? there's something that says 1/400 sec but it's under "exposure time"

Yep, that's it. And it seems nice and fast. That's not the reason your image is blurry (slightly). Might be you were moving while pulling the shutter. Always think stability while pulling the trigger.


good point! will try to be more aware of that during shots from now on... i actually made a mental note yesterday when i read youre comment to another poster in this forum :P

Hey, you stalkin' me lady!?


You're right! you know, I didn't even realize that they weren't too clear. when ever you say "azalyn smile!" she automatically scrunches up her hands and face the way she is in the picture.. so it makes it hard to actually see her eyes sometimes! but I will def keep that in mind for future photos

Yeah, nothing you can do about a 'squinter'.. that's why sometimes the best shots of kids are the more candid ones where they're not trying to smile.

thanks!! a few of them i was on my belly on the ground aiming up but they werent my favorite. all in all, you're tips are very helpful.. thank you!

You're welcome, glad I could help in any small way. Think composition, focus and stability.. keep thinking that until it becomes 2nd nature!

[Lindsie Nicole]

I think its the cutest picture ever! She's just not very focused which for me is a big deal. lol. just ask my sister... she helps me organize my photos and if its not really focused I toss it. (I have issues with that. lol.) But other then that keep shooting!

[loriejean72]

Originally Posted by Lois khalafalla

She is adorable that is for sure. I think if you pointed the camera more to the right it would be more pleasing. Doing that would not cut off her feet and would apply the rule of thirds. Keep shooting!

I totally agree with everything Lois said...Please don't cut the feet off of a person when the other 90% of them is showing... and because her left leg is out in the right side of the pic it would look nice if her torso was slightly off-centered to the left of the pic...that would make for a more interesting composition.