My handsome boy

[SusanH1970]

I posted this pic in my thread in Photographing People, but I hope it's okay with The Powers That Be to post it here as well, as I'm looking for more in-depth critique. I had asked for advice in shooting portraits under overcast skies and got what I thought was some excellent advice.

I know the background is a busy mess here - this was just a quick shot I did to test camera settings and reflector position to achieve the look I wanted. What I would like critique on is: skin tones, exposure, lighting, and focus. I know I should have shot at a smaller aperture, this wide open gave me fuzzy results around his hair. He does have natually pink tones to his skin, so this is pretty much how he looks in real life.

Thanks, all! By the way, it's best viewed large, if you click on it it'll take you to my Flickr and you can view the large version from there.



EXIF:
Exposure: 0.008 sec (1/125)
Aperture: f/2.2
Focal Length: 50 mm
ISO Speed: 200

[RuthieMae]

Susan, your son is a cutie! I have a boy in 5th grade too but you won't see many pictures of him because he's allergic to my camera or so he says, lol

I love this image! I love the color of his eyes and the catchlights are wonderful! I am probably in the minority but I actually really like the shallow dof and softness around his hair. The lighting and color look good to me. Good luck on your upcoming session! I think you'll do great!

[lputman]

I would have to agree with Ruthie on this one. Great job Susan!

[candleman]

i think its quite good really.

focus, perfect, the DOF i like as it softens the image naturally.
skin, looks great to me, buttery smooth
exposure, bang on. nice and light without blowing out or creating excessive highlights.

only thing i notice is the space behind his head.. other than that it looks really nice

the background isnt an issue as it so soft it doesnt distract much, appart from the light highlight just off the right cheek.

catchlights and backlighting you did a good job on. looks really nice

[SusanH1970]

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback, everyone. You have no idea how much I appreciate it.

Hope it's okay to post a re-edited version now, if not, let the mods have their way with me!

Did a slight crop. Does this look okay enough to put in my portfolio, or should I continue to work at it? Maybe I could clone out the deck rail? Or at least the brown spots (I think tree trunks) camera left?

[candleman]

very nice, its a bit more comfortable now.
(to me anyway)

[private]

The cropped version is a lot better - I would prob clone out the brown, but I will tell ya that I did not notice it at first, but if it bugs ya...And is his skin naturally that smooth!? He is a Q.T!

[SusanH1970]

Thanks so much everyone, for the critique and the compliments on my son! And yes, Pat...his face is like a baby's behind! LOL

[Tnmtnviews]

Susan, You have done an excellent job! Stop picking it apart and stick it in that porfolio! We are always so much more critical of our own work. I hope you have a big stick to chase the girls away!

[indysgirl4ever]

I think this photo is awesome! I like the cropped one better and I definatly think that it it should go in your portfolio. I wish I could shoot like that! You make me scared to post my photo's for critique! :-)