Holding Baby -- Beginner Tips?

[missusday]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/49981484@N02/5530347878/

I'm just learning with a D90, and I took this one of me holding my one-month-old. I think it's pretty great, but I'd love to hear some other opinions on the composition and lighting. Also, I don't have any real photo editing software, so all I can really do is switch from color to B&W. Any suggestions on software/tutorials? Thanks!

Nikon D90
F 3.8
1/60
ISO 200
No Flash

[MrJones]

two things that I've noticed right away were the fact that you don't see the baby's face. it goes dark right where the face begins, which is ok if that is indeed what you wanted to accomplish.
the second thing was the face that the baby isn't in focus, the ring on her finger is.
lightning wise, since the light is coming from camera's left, it would have been better if the baby's head was turning in the same direction.

as for software - I use photoshop it's an overkill for a beginner.
you have photoshop elements which is not expensive and should do the work.