Too candid?

[jax314]

Is this shot too candid to be a good portrait? I also think the lighting may be a little flat as well...but could anyone offer feedback on the shot as to what works, what doesn't, what I might be able to fix, etc. Any thoughts are appreciated.

Thanks in advance.


Camera Nikon D5000
Exposure 0.01 sec (1/100)
Aperture f/4.5
Focal Length 102 mm
ISO Speed 1600

[Surprised]

I'm not sure whether it's too candid -- it looks quite well set up to me. You've captured a cute smile and the focus seems OK; the only thing I'm wondering about from a composition point of view is the space on the left-hand side -- it doesn't appear to add much. If she'd been looking into the space it might have been a different matter...

But overall this is a cute picture; thanks for sharing it.

I agree with Surprised.

You may be more pleased with cropping out the image just past her right shoulder, similar to the right side of the image. (Adheres to the "Fill The Frame" rule.)

The green from the tree and the blue and purple Christmas ornaments will still convey the seasonality of the shot. Maybe boost saturation to pump up the green a bit as well.

I had a quick go at it on PS. See what you think. Just my two cents and thanks for the opportunity!




It's a bit unrefined, like I said, it was a quick go at it. But it illustrates what I was trying to suggest as potential improvement. Hope you like it.

[SusanH1970]

I agree it doesn't look too candid, but what's bugging me is the popup flash used. I'm just not a fan of the harsh, flat light it gives, and the pinpoint catchlights.

I'd have pulled her further away from the tree and closed the aperture down, too. The background is a little busy for me.

It's not one I'd blow up huge and frame, but it's definitely an adorable snapshot.

LOVE the expression on her face, she's a little beauty!

[kristenh]

i think it's a lovely shot- minor critiques like the shadow under her chin and the bright spot on the bridge of her nose from the flash. and i actually like the original crop, maybe you could take a bit off the left, but i like seeing the tree. i like the way bakeys warmed her up a bit, but on my monitor at least her/his version is a bit too saturated.

now this is an opinion coming from someone who is not a professional photographer, but i don't think it makes much sense to get into "portrait" vs "snapshot" debates. if you like it and its a picture of someone you love, to heck with whether its pro or not. everybody has certain talents and everybody can improve.

she's most certainly a beautiful little girl. is she yours?

[SusanH1970]

Originally Posted by kristenh

now this is an opinion coming from someone who is not a professional photographer, but i don't think it makes much sense to get into "portrait" vs "snapshot" debates. if you like it and its a picture of someone you love, to heck with whether its pro or not. everybody has certain talents and everybody can improve.

I agree and didn't mean it to sound the way it did, lol. I was typing my thoughts quickly as my daughter was hanging onto my arm and asking me 17 questions.

Honestly, I have tons of pictures of my kids that I wouldn't consider a portrait that I absolutely adore, and proudly display them.

That being said, the OP did ask for critique, and I gave my honest opinion.

[jax314]

Thanks for the feedback. i like the new crop and agree with the color/flash critique. One problem I have been struggling with is focus. Is the focus GOOD on the shot or merely OK? A lot of shots I have been taken seem as though the focus is slightly off. Of course, my natural inclination is to think the camera has a focusing issue; however, I thhink i'm smart enough to realize it is just me........Should I be able to take a tack sharp picture at 1/60 with a non-VR lens and no tripod? I ask because i am not sure when to use a tripod exactly...especially with these little ones because they're all over the place.......

Thanks for any advice with this.

[SusanH1970]

Jaxon, the focus is spot on and tack sharp! I even looked at the large version on Flickr and the clarity is great.

Keep in mind, though, that flash freezes motion, so you may not get super-sharp focus at a slower shutter speed if shooting without it and there is movement.

[jax314]

So...is it best to use a tripod wen you are not using a flash? How fast should the shutter speed be to eliminate the need for a flash?

[edbayani]

this is a good photo but i noticed after applying levels, some irregular coloring of the face and the sharp shadow outlining the chin.
i couldn't resist touching it up and cropping a bit.