Brothers

[AesBreCov]

Hello All! I've had some computer troubles, so I haven't been online in quite a while. I'm hoping to get in some more practice with my camera, along with some constructive criticism on my pictures, now that I'm back online. This is one of my favorite shots from a few days ago, mostly because of the expressions (it is the ONLY one I got with both of them looking at the camera). I know they are extremely close to the wall. Is it way too distracting?
Also, the original was way cute, with Big Brother hugging Little Brother, but I accidentally chopped a foot! I cropped it in pretty tight, but it seemed the only way to do it that it didn't look too funky - Little Brother's hands were hanging really low, so to include them, I cut off knees, and to include Big Brother's embrace, I cut off the little one's hands just above the wrists. So, what I'm getting at is, do you like the crop/composition now?
Now some random questions when shooting more than one person: Where do you put your focus when you have more than one face to deal with? Also, where should I set my aperture so that I don't get one face in focus, but not the other(s)?

Any other tips and CC is greatly appreciated! I am learning so much from this site, and I try to apply things I've learned every time I get my camera out, so please be perfectly honest! Thank You in advance!



Exif data
Camera Canon EOS Digital Rebel XS
Exposure 0.003 sec (1/400)
Aperture f/4.5
Focal Length 18 mm
ISO Speed 200
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash Off, Did not fire

[scootermcq]

Cute image and focus seems good. Composition is fine.

You should probably look at white balance, because they are awfully orange.

I would also suggest that you move them further away from the wall in future, as it will create better separation and make for a nicer portrait.

[AesBreCov]

Thank you for the comments! I know laptops aren't the best for photo editing, but I had my last one pretty well figured out, so I could match it pretty closely with the prints.... I'm still trying to figure this one out. When I do, hopefully I can get the WB fixed. Thank you for pointing it out!

[EOBeav]

If you've goofed up the white balance and can't fix it, you can always convert to monochrome, adjust the contrast, and call it an art photo. :-)

Photographing small children--yours or otherwise--is always difficult to do, and you caught both of them in a great moment here. Nicely done. It deserves a spot on Grandma's fridge.

[AesBreCov]

Thank you. I don't think I have the patience to ever pursue photography professionally (even if I ever got any good at it, haha!), just because kids and families would stress me out....they're my favorite subjects, but if I do it for fun, then I don't get too frustrated if they don't cooperate! I still have the RAW image, so I can go back and work on the WB. though I do like your conversion....I may have to play with it a little more.