torn, WDYT?

[ahickman]

I was shooting tons of pics of my princess this weekend at the lake and this was an accidental shot. I meant to zoom out a bit more, but I just love the expression on her face. I haven't done any pp to this at all. I have several questions:
1- Do you think its an ok shot or would it have been better if I hadn't cut off her head?

2-What do you think I can do to improve this image?

Thanks in advance,




EXIF:
Camera: Nikon D60
Exposure: 0.004 sec (1/250)
Aperture: f/5.0
Focal Length: 135 mm
Focal Length: 138.5 mm
ISO Speed: 400
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: No Flash

[mandyatm]

It is cute! Since you cropped so close, I would crop even tighter and cut off some of the bottom. I would sharpen her eyes and reduce the reds a little and call it done!

[ahickman]

Thanks so much for the advice : )

I tried it out and came up with this:



I like it a lot more! Thanks again!

[2seta1year]

We would all like to have perfect composition photos all the time, however even the best photographers don't get that. With kids the added complication is that they make that great face or smile just when you aren't ready. So you work with what you got...Would it had been better if you had more of her head? Perhaps, but I think then you just zoom in more in post processing and try to balance it out.

I have PSE7 so I played around with the sharpness and cropping. I cropped it tighter and also rotated it slightly. I moved out her right side too. I sharpened (since it then was blurry when I zoomed in further) and then softened the face. Popped the eyes. I did cleanup a bit of the redness as well. I applied the Chocolate BW and Lomo actions as well. If you have PSE I got these actions for free from CoffeeShop blog.

New Crop


Lomo


BW

[ahickman]

I love it! Wow, thanks!

I tried to sharpen the image in GIMP but I am still very new to that program. I've wondered how to "soften" faces and skin tones, what can I do to achieve this effect?

Also, should I really look at investing in PP software? I am hoping to capture many special moments and maybe even do this as a side job but I know I need a lot more practice. I am still playing with my DSLR. Its not even 30 days old yet Which programs are best for beginners?

Lol, did I ask enough questions? :P