First Submission - Baby

[satelinebassman]

I took this photo on May 21, 2011. I would like some feedback on it and any suggestions on how to improve.

PENTAX *ist DS
F5.6
ISO 200
1+ Exposure Bias
Focal Length 33mm
Exposure Time 1/250

[Monkey Mash Button]

Hooray for babies! I love the perspective.

I too am new. The way to improve is to keep mashing that button. If this is your new baby, you'll be doing that a lot (and sleeping little).

[MrJones]

I like the colors and the sharpness but the prespective actually kills it for me.
just doesn't work for me.

[satelinebassman]

Mr. Jones, I appreciate your comment. This is my grandson in the picture. We were having a cookout that day, and he was being very playful with me. I was just having some fun and snapped the picture. The baby's mother was very excited with the photo. I was just looking for input as to make improvements in my technique.

[SusanH1970]

He's a cutie. While I'm not wild about the perspective either, what I'm noticing is that the focus seemed to fall on his left cheek. His left eye is a bit soft and his right eye is very OOF.

[Peely22]

I'm with Susan on this all the way.
Where you can, focus on the eyes - at least one. Whilst not immediately noticeable to the viewer, this is where the eye is drawn.
The next thing to consider is composition, again, where is the eye being drawn?

[FranDaMan]

+1

Always focus on the eye. The idea is good and I actually like the perspective, but the OOF eyes kill it for me

[BigFuzzy]

Just another one to say that you always have to nail the focus on the eyes in (I would argue) every single portrait.
I don't mind the perspective, but the focus hurts!

[satelinebassman]

So you guys are saying that I should focus on the eyes and that would make my photos better? I am thankful for the tip. You guys have to understand, the boy is only seven months old and very active. He was trying to eat the camera, so it made it hard to get a good, clear shot. Such is the life of a grandfather.

[FranDaMan]

I usually take the shot and then get it back on the screen and zoom on the eyes to see if they are sharp. If not, I try again and again and again........