Newbie - photographer wanna-be - love to learn

[OzarkGirl]

I took this picture of my friends daughter inside my house the other day. I've just recently decided that I would like to take my love of photography and take a stab at it professionally. No where near that point yet. So I guess I'd like to know what I could do to improve? I used the camera flash for this picture because my house lacks good natural lighting. So I guess my question is what could I have done w/ this shot to make it better when using a flash??



Exif data:
exposure 1/60
f5.3
focal length 48mm
ISO 200
Flash did fire
Nikon D3000

[private]

Well, if you must use the flash, try and find a way to diffuse it. You can use a single ply of tissue paper (like kleenex). I avoid the pop-up flash like the plague.

You can also get the 50mm 1.8 lens (very affordable) and that lets in a ton of light. Its such a cute picture you have there,

[CheaperKings]

First thing you want to do is get that flash off the camera and onto a light stand with some kind of modifier. (like a shoot-through umbrella or a softbox). It's a pretty good shot, it just could have used better lighting. Lighting is the key! Keep practicing!

[Exposures]

I think the lighting is good for a beginner (which I am as well). I know it's very intimdating and expensive. Just try DIY stuff. I have been known to tape tissue paper (like you put in gifts) to my pop up flash because it's all I have, and honestly, sometimes you just have to use it.

The one thing I do see missing in the picture is a basic rule of composition. A simple rule I try to tell my self is 'don't center it'. If you keep that in mind the rest of it will fall into place. Shift the frame just a little to the left, or the right when doing a close up as such. It is a small touch that will add so much to your pictures. (Divide your frame into three verticle sections and three horizontal sections...the most interesting places are where those lines intersect.) If you keep that in mind even with poor lighting you can make any image have a little sparkle.

[becksjd]

I agree with the exposures, you've centered baby, so maybe you might want to crop it now and push her more to a side? Just a suggestion, try not to center your focal point as much if you can help it.

[ricklumpas]

your model is so cute. shooting kids in low light is very challenging. you really must use flas with a diffuser like what was said in the previous replies or any of those available to diffuse on board flash (<$100).
i wish you won't crop her head next time.