popsicle shot- curious for feedback

[kristenh]

i'd like to do a series where i take a similar shot every year at the same time w/my two younger boys. i have a great popsicle shot from last year of the older one here, and this is the best of a series i did the other day:



i'd like to try a re-do and am curious what you think of the spot i chose. does the red top stair distract? anything i should be thinking about re lighting? this is outdoors in shade- about 4 pm early fall for us. thoughts on cropping? colors? any other thoughts? i'd like to make this the best i can...

the exif data are as follows:
nikon D5000
focal length 35 mm
ISO 400
f 5.0
1/100 shutter speed

[ffscj3562130]

I can't answer about the technical or art aspect (still trying to develop the eye for those) but I was not distracted by the step. My first thought was that it looked like the younger of the two was trying to decide how he could get the other one's popsicle.

[sheila3]

I like the shot. I personally think it is too tightly cropped. Can't decide if red is distracting.
You have red on top, red popsicles, so maybe if one boy had red shorts on it would spread it out. Or that might take away from popsicles. Guess I would play with it. Love the idea though. That will be great for them to look back on as they get older

[sheila3]

Me again. Was wondering. Any way for the boys to sit on top step so red is more dominant in the photo? Or perhaps a step up. I did find the pavement somehow distracting. Perhaps if just red and steps and boys... Anyways great idea and shot!

[DuckieLauren]

I find the red strip at the top quite distracting, It takes away from the potential of the shot. The popsicles are so bright and colourful an I think It would be awesome if it was the focal point of the picture, this could happen more easily by moving them away from the bright red of the wall... That's my opinion anyways

[kristenh]

Thanks for all your thoughts! Chris J, i didn't really realize at the time as i was busy snapping away, but in almost all the shots the kids are eyeing each other's popsicles!

Sheila, i recropped- do you like this better?



there is a kettle of flowers on the other side as well. i had to do the top tight b/c their heads are at the top of the stairs and the porch has distracting junk on it- including my husband tying his shoes in many of the shots. but your comment about cropping makes me think that, as i'd like to do this every year, if the bigger guy's head is already at the top of the stairs when they are sitting on the bottom, i should probably find a better spot.

funny how i never even noticed the red paint on the stair riser- it's our front porch and i've lived here for 8 years or so.

sheila, i like the idea of including other reds. the original shot was on the 4th of july :



and is of course pretty colorful; i might try to get them to sit in the (red) wagon or dress them differently and just shoot in front of the front door.

thanks for your help!