Picnick anyone?

[AprilW]

Hi! I took this photo the other day, it was so nice outside we drove out to Land Between the Lakes and had a picnic. I did a little post processing- crop, adjusted the colors and vibrancy, and did some sharpening. I wanted to add a white edge, but couldn't figure out how- can anyone give me instruction on that? I just wanted to get some opinions on the edit, do the colors look ok? I tried to use the rule of thirds when I cropped to get a better composition and was wondering if I missed the mark a little in that department. Any constructive criticism or suggestions are appreciated.



EXIF data:
Camera Nikon D3100
Lens Nikon 18-55mm zoom lens
Exposure 0.008 sec (1/125)
Aperture f/5.6
Focal Length 55 mm
ISO Speed 140
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash Auto, Did not fire

[BigFuzzy]

Hi there,
the color look 'ok' in the sense that when shooting in the middle of the day that's likely what you're going to get. And because it was shot in harsh mid day light, the colors and contrast is a bit flat. I think what would help the colors a lot is a boost in contrast (or better, Clarity if you're using Lightroom) because as of now it still feels very flat to me.

Yes, you did better by not composing the subjects right in the middle, but even then, it's not a strong element of the image. Have you considered cropping where the subjects are in the middle but at the bottom of the frame so as to emphasize the height of the trees?

Lastly, to me, the part where this image is most lacking is the focus. The focus (to me) is clearly on the tree to the right whereas the subjects are a bit soft/out of focus. Not sure what happened, but I'd recommend ensuring that the main subject of your image is the sharpest part of the image.

[Corey Thompson]

In addition to the above suggestions, I think what would help is if the subjects were sitting on the other side of the bench facing the camera but not acknowledging it. To me, that would help me to connect with the subject more and engage in what they're doing. I feel very disconnected from the subjects with their backs to me.

[ncbcymtechie]

The colors could stand to use a little boosting, but I'd forgive it if the composition was a little better—that is, if it focused on the people.

I appreciate that the family rests off-center and that you framed them with the trees, but as it is they're just not a big enough element of the picture to claim a viewer's immediate focus. The tree does seem more in focus (the camera term, that the trees are sharper due to lens focusing) and the family seems a little soft. Most of all, they're just not big enough, and thus not weighty enough to draw attention away from the trees and the sidewalk and the branches on the bottom. I would recommend zooming or cropping to make them more prominent.

I see you attempting to use technique, so bravo! Just make sure to emphasize what you want to focus on—don't let it get dwarfed by other elements and by "rules." (They're more like guidelines, anyway. So says Jack Sparrow.)

[AprilW]

Thanks for all the feedback! I'm going to take another crack at editing this one, it was kind of an accidental shot I took of Nanna and the kids as I came back up a path. I only have an 18-55mm lens and was pretty far away, which is why they we're so small in the pic. I really liked the idea of the picture, but the execution was a lacking ( wish i'd thought to try and re-create the moment before we left for a better shot!) I *just* got the camera at the beginning of the month and am trying to teach myself technique from books until I can find an actual class, so I really appreciate ya'll sending me in the right direction