how to crop / compose better

[slugger]

So I am having a tough time with this photo - I'm sure that I should have composed it better to begin with, so I would appreciate tips on what I should have done first. I'm thinking mom's arm should have been completely out of the photo?
I took it with intentions to crop it (which is why mom's head is cut off), but I feel like it's either too tight, awkward, or the mom's arm gets cropped in a weird way. Any pointers on what I can do? Feel free to edit. Thanks...sorry if this is the wrong forum to get this help in.


Exposure 0.02 sec (1/50)
Aperture f/8.0
Focal Length 70 mm
ISO Speed 100

[SusanH1970]

I think I'd go with a square crop and convert it to BW.

I'd have had mom wear a plain shirt though, the stuff on the front is distracting. Also I'd have had her put her hand on her belly, rather than let her arm dangle. It might have been cute to have mom's hand and the little girl's hand touching, on the belly - it would have brought connection between the two to the photo.

I'd also have angled mom at more of an angle towards the camera, rather than 90 degrees to the camera, for a more flattering angle.

Cute shot, though!

If you'd rather I didn't post a play, let me know and I'll take it down. It was a super fast edit so the conversion isn't perfect. If I took more time I'd have edited out the wood on the bottom, too.

[slugger]

Thank-you Susan for the reply! I do like the edit.

[Ginger Pixie]

I think you could have improved the shot by getting down to the eye level of the little girl.

Here is an example of what I mean, taken by a good friend of mine.

[slugger]

Yes, I see what you mean, what a difference that makes, and I didn't even notice that. Thanks!

[High_Speed]

I would have started by not cutting moms head off in the middle of her forehead. But since you did, might as well crop her entire head out...maybe from the chest up, like the last posters example.

I also agree, square it up and do a b&w. That's my 2 cents.