unedited newborn photo shoot

[mrsbuby]

New to photography and first time posting. I would be grateful to receive any feedback. In particular I am looking for composition input and suggestions to what needs to be "photoshoped". This is from my 2nd photoshoot ever... need help. Purchased photoshop today and I am completely lost... any suggestions on how I can begin learning the basics thru photoshop?

ISO 200
1/250
2.2
50 mm 1:1.4

[mrsbuby]

I forgot to mention I am using a Canon EOS Rebel T2i.

[ccting]

1. Who is so cruel with the baby !!!! I see blood!
2. Wow, the professional lens looks so beautiful...
3. I am still trying to think about the negative space that you have introduce...
4. I still thinking about the arrangement of photographic items in the image.. I fail to analyze it.
5. I don't know photoshop as it is a complex software, why not a simpler software like lightroom?

It is a beautiful baby portrait, but I hope to see more on the part that you have cut.. What makes you interest more on negative space than other parts of the baby?..

I just a noob..

[Ginger Pixie]

Originally Posted by ccting

1. Who is so cruel with the baby !!!! I see blood!

You really need to work on your social skills.

With regards to the pic, I'm not sure the composition is working entirely and the purple scarf might be a little tight, but I think it's a good start.

I think by either getting down to the level of the baby, or zooming out more would have given you a stronger composition.

As for photoshop, levels and curves are generally the things I tweak.

[ccting]

Originally Posted by Ginger Pixie

You really need to work on your social skills.

Dear Ginger,
Yes, i am 100% agree with you.. I am working on that.. but I am still fail to achieve that.

@mrsbuby
Sry for making poor jokes..

[Mark Engelhart]

Originally Posted by Ginger Pixie

You really need to work on your social skills.

With regards to the pic, I'm not sure the composition is working entirely and the purple scarf might be a little tight, but I think it's a good start.

I think by either getting down to the level of the baby, or zooming out more would have given you a stronger composition.

As for photoshop, levels and curves are generally the things I tweak.

+1 on Ginger's observations.... I do think that the purple would have worked better if you were lower and gaining more of the basket into the image. Also I noticed that the face is slightly softer than the blanket just below the face. I have been having the same problem with my 50mm 1.8 lens were either it is not focused on dead center as I have selected or I am moving slightly as I am pressing the shutter. All in all nice start with a tough lens to master.

[mrsbuby]

Thank you everyone for the feedback and support. I think you are all correct in noting the composition is a little odd. I did take a picture zoomed out quite a bit that shows more of the baby and basket that will probably work a lot better now that I think about it. (see attached) I did take the pic from on top of a bed, which might explain the blurriness... I had not even noticed it... thank you so much for pointing the blurriness out... I definetely need to work on holding still or using a tripod.

[Ginger Pixie]

Originally Posted by mrsbuby

Thank you everyone for the feedback and support. I think you are all correct in noting the composition is a little odd. I did take a picture zoomed out quite a bit that shows more of the baby and basket that will probably work a lot better now that I think about it. (see attached) I did take the pic from on top of a bed, which might explain the blurriness... I had not even noticed it... thank you so much for pointing the blurriness out... I definetely need to work on holding still or using a tripod.

Any chance you can get a flickr account and post the pics directly into the thread? They will be much better quality and you will get more replies, because it's a faff messing about and clicking on little pic - Lazy, me.

I like that as a composition much more. The scarf still bothers me - it's not really helping out with the shape of the baby, so if it's the colour you wanted, maybe lay it over her.

Can I ask where your focal point was? Did you select one manually, or focus manually, or did you use auto focus with central selection? I think you would have sharper results by closing down the aperture a bit - especially if you were balancing on a bed! If you have a problem with low light, think about positioning the baby under a window, or buying a reflector or two - they are cheap as chips on ebay.

[Nori]

Hello! Very nice shoot, I like the one without the crop, If you are thinking on cropping go big and get rid of the carpet.... Another tip i may have is a different background may be a huge help, I started a blog and I have talk about it I invite you to visit it Nori B. Photography Blog

Go to youtube for photoshop tutorial they have a bunch...

good luck,
Nori B.

[mrsbuby]

Thanks for the tips. :-). At Ginger: I used auto focus with central selection. Would you suggest a different focal point? would that explain the blurriness? I think you are right a reflector would make the baby's face pop more... She is in the shadow. It is funny you mention flicker because I was just looking into it today. At Nori: I'm definitely going to check out your website for more info. Do you think cropping out that empty space will distort the photo? Do you happen to know if I can change backgrounds through photoshop? Would blurring the carpet work? Thanks much... Everyone's feedback has been great!!! I feel so support in this new endeavor.