Little lady in pink

[carlyfan]

Here's a shot of my cousin from a while back.


EXIF
Camera Brand: Canon
Camera Model: Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XT
Date Taken: 2010:06:20 15:54:06
Exposure Time: 1/320 sec.
Aperture Value: 4.64 EV (f/5.0)
ISO Speed Rating: 200
Flash Fired: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode.
Metering Mode: Pattern
Exposure Program: Normal program
Focal Length: 50.0 mm

I think I messed up the focus; it looks like it landed on her dress. How bad is it though? Does it ruin it?
Also, how distracting is the yellow handle on the left? I haven't tried cloning it out yet; it looks like it would be pretty hard with the wood grain. I could try, but is it worth it?
Please feel free to mention anything else that sticks out to you. I would love all the advice I can get.
Thanks for looking!

Lisa

[sheila3]

The top ruffle on her dress does seem pretty sharp. But I really can't tell where the focus fell. And since I have to look so hard for it I would say that it in no way ruins the picture. My first thoughts were awww what a sweetie. Didn't notice handle until you brought it up so I would not bother trying to clone it out. Very new to photoshop but perhaps you could just blur it a bit or dodge it some to lighten it? I usually just play with all the photoshop tools until I find one that helps. Back to her eyes it looks like you got some nice catchlights. One thing I would maybe do different is crop it right under her hands. Just my personal preference. Overall nice shot!

[acripps]

Beautiful picture of a beautiful little girl! I don't notice the focus being a problem either, when you first look at the photo you look ay that cute face and pretty eyes. The background isn't bad, maybe just blur it a bit. The only part that is distracting to me is the white string hanging from the yellow bar (maybe it's just me), would that be hard to clone out? Great shot!!

[NgaiHill]

She looks lovely. I did notice that the focus didn't seem to be on the eyes but hard to tell where it fell. I'd crop it a bit, possibly the left, that would take out the yellow thing, and I'd crop some of the bottom off too. She's a lovely model and deserves to fill more of the frame.

[bookloveraz]

I love it all! I didn't notice the focus problem till you pointed it out. While some think you should get rid of the yellow handle, I like it there. It adds to the playground feel!

[carlyfan]

Thanks everyone! I guess I won't worry to much about the focus then. I'll play around with GIMP and try some crops and see what I come up with. Thanks again!

Lisa