Too dark or something else?

[kaypea]

I took this photo for a client last night. I got several really cute ones this girl is absolutely adorable. This is one of those I just snapped and I tend to really love it. But it's lacking something. It's by all means not a "perfect picture" The focus is off and the exposure isn't great. So I tried to work with it some but feel it's lacking something. What do you think? I just love her expression and her hair blowing around like that.


Camera Model: Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XTi
Date/Time: 2009:04:30 17:42:34
Resolution: 730 x 800
Flash Used: No
Focal Length: 50.0mm (35mm equivalent: 393m...
CCD Width: 4.58mm
Exposure Time: 0.0050 s (1/200)
Aperture: f/3.5
ISO Equiv.: 200
Whitebalance: Auto
Exposure: Manual

[ericw]

I think if you shifted your crop down some (cut off more of her head, include more of her dress) it might help. Nothing too crazy, I was thinking right below the really dark spot in her hair (near the middle back of her head). It's quite engaging.

[creativechaos]

I agree with Eric, a tighter crop would make this a stunning shot. Her expression is perfect and can definitely overcome any flaws in focus/exposure. Her eyes are what make the photo pop!

[SusanH1970]

Yup, a tighter crop would do it for me, but with less of the top/dress. When I first opened this up, I thought it looked amazing...then scrolling down, the white of her top/dress kind of took over the shot. I think it's the bright white of it - it drew my eyes down, instead of focusing on her wonderful eyes.

[kaypea]

Thanks everyone. I'll work on that tonight. I'll post the new one when I get it done.

[harrypalmer044]

Have to say that this is a lovely image just because of how lovely her eyes are and that smile!!! well she is going to be a real heart breaker one day. As for the composition? I would say I would like to see a little less of the dress and it's just too bright and takes the focus of her lovely face. If I were lucky enough to take a shot like this I would crop it from just under where her hair reaches below her shoulders and make play around with the shadows and lighting a little.
This is a lovely image and with a little work it would be an outstanding portrait.
Thanks for sharing it.

[kaypea]

I reworked my photos. I do like the tigher crop on it thanks for the suggestions. Now I messed with the contrast though but I think I liked it better before. What do you think? I also softened her face some but I think it's too much. Thoughts?

[harrypalmer044]

Hi Kaypea,
glad you had another try with this lovely image, think the crop just below her shoulders works fine but would have liked to have seen the top of her head kept as well, as for the softening? I think it's fine and you have not lost any of the beauty in her eyes so it's still a lovely image. Thanks for sharing it

[kaypea]

Thanks, I just went back and did another curves adjustment. I think it looks better now. I'll play around with the crop more. That is not one of my strong points at all.

[Tnmtnviews]

The crop made a huge difference as to where my eyes went. Her eyes are so adorable.