Pure Happiness!

[becksjd]

Hi Everybody! First of all, thanks for viewing my picture. I am needing some help. I want to know in general what you think, is it a "blah" photo, nothing special, or do you feel something from it. I feel joy when I see it but that might just be because I am her mom I am looking for a little critiques on anything that could be better, or what I could to do change it. Nothing really specific. I just need some direction and help. Thanks




EXIF

Nikon D90
Exposure Mode: Auto exposure
Exposure Program: Aperture priority
Exposure Time: 1 / 2500
Flash: Flash did not fire
FlashPix Version: 1.0
FNumber: 2
Focal Length: 50
Focal Length In 35mm Film: 75
Gain Control: None
ISO Speed Ratings: 200
Light Source: Cloudy weather
Max Aperture Value: 1.6
Metering Mode: Pattern

[chris.r.]

I am also a newby but I think it's nicely done, your daughter looks "somewhere" which makes the viewer interested in what she sees there. Also nicely placed off-centre, so I would not crop it.

Not so bad after all I'd say.

[BigFuzzy]

Love her expression, what a lovely candid and completely natural moment. Great great!
Two things I would suggest, one small, one big (to me).

Small thing.. it feels just a bit flat. Try boosting the contrast and seeing what you think. If you're using Lightroom use the Clarity slider.

Bigger thing.. her eyes just aren't as sharp as they should be. Looked at the large version on flickr and it seems the focus is off. I say off because at 1/2500 of a second, it shouldn't be camera shake. Maybe you locked focus then recomposed (composition is great by the way) and since you were on F/2, you moved the plane of focus enough to put the eyes out of focus.. be a bit more cautious next time and it will really be a zinger.

having said all that, you (and she) should be really happy with this.

[danbaileyphoto]

I don't have too much of a problem with the focus here, and I think you've got a really nice shot here. The subject placement is off center, which gives it a dynamic instead of a static feel, and you placed her in the right side of the frame, which allows the pink flower on her hat to point back across the frame. This is a subtle, but very effective compositional element that gives it strength. You also included enough of her clothing to give it a good sense of added texture. Nice use of empty space as well, and good job capturing a fleeting moment of happiness. Great job overall!

[Niresangwa]

This is gorgeous. There is nothing even close to 'blah' about this.

Composition is great, dynamics and involvement are wonderful. The tones are absolutely perfect with those shades of brown. It may be an idea to play very gently with contrast and saturation to make them a little richer and deeper.

Fuzzy was correct in that her eyes seem slightly beyond the focal plane, but even at the largest size on Flickr, unless you're looking for it, doesnt have a negative impact on the shot.

The only further step I personally would take on this would be to work on her eyes very subtly to enhance them.

You should be exceptionally proud of this one.

[becksjd]

Well I am proud of it now! Haha. I was waiting for the firing line on this one for some reason. Thanks so much for the compliments and pointers. I'll play around with it a bit more and see if I can pop it a bit more. I also seem to struggle with focus quite a bit and I don't know why. I think Fuzzy may have it that I have it locked in and then shift the camera. To be honest, when I was taking this, I had a teddy bear in one hand that I was hitting into my head to make her laugh, all the while snapping the photo! So that would probably be why I don't always have an accurate focus I'm guessing. Next time I'm bringing a buddy to help me out and THEY can swing the teddy bear into my face to make the laugh!

Thanks again guys.

Becky

[tasmo2]

Originally Posted by becksjd

Well I am proud of it now! Haha. I was waiting for the firing line on this one for some reason. Thanks so much for the compliments and pointers. I'll play around with it a bit more and see if I can pop it a bit more. I also seem to struggle with focus quite a bit and I don't know why. I think Fuzzy may have it that I have it locked in and then shift the camera. To be honest, when I was taking this, I had a teddy bear in one hand that I was hitting into my head to make her laugh, all the while snapping the photo! So that would probably be why I don't always have an accurate focus I'm guessing. Next time I'm bringing a buddy to help me out and THEY can swing the teddy bear into my face to make the laugh!

Thanks again guys.

Becky

LOL I love that.. its so like me to be smacking yourself with something for a laugh! haha!
I love this shot, and don't mind the lack of sharpness.. although it would be FANTASTIC to have it nice and sharp. On my monitor.. (could be just mine) she looks a tad reddish.. But great photo! One to be proud of!

[midnightpro]

I tried this is B&W and it looks great. I would try this on your shot as well.

[avishek24]

I dont think its a "blah" shot from any angle. I quite like it actually. Great candid expression!

[sk66]

Overall, excellent photo!
But I'm with Fuzzy on this one..a touch flat and the eyes...luckily it is all easily fixed in post.

What I did was a quick levels adjustment (there's a tutorial on this site about that). I then copied just the eyes to a new layer and did some sharpening etc. Then just a bit of spot cleaning to remove fuzz from her hat and sensor dust etc from the wall.... 10 minutes max.

Unfortunately, I'm unable to attach a copy as that function seems to be jacked up right now...