50mm and a topless ballerina...

[OverAnalyzer]

if that doesn't get ya to look...

ok, I am a newbie here. Found this site while researching how to get better pics with natural light. Here is a shot I took recently that I *like* but that isn't as good as I would like. I don't feel like I got the eyes quite as sharply focused as I wanted. I also am not sure the color is as true as it could be. Here is pertinent info:
Nov 10, 2009
682×1024 pixels – 55KB
Filename: IMG_8754.JPG
Camera: Canon
Model: Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XSi
ISO: 400
Exposure: 1/50 sec
Aperture: 2.0
Focal Length: 50mm
Flash Used: No
I can't recall if/what messing I did with this one in Picasa after I took it. Likely something, but nothing fancy as PP frustrates me and I am learning as fast as I can.

From 11.10.09 bw tutu monogram blankie

[lputman]

For me, I'm not a fan of the composition. It feels like she is going to slide out of the photo. Was she under a light? She does appear a bit orangey.

Try getting her close to the natural light source. Use a reflector if needed. Benji posted some great tips on using reflectors. Using A Reflector

[Spinnerette]

I hope this doesn't creep you out, but it looks like her head is detached from her body.
But I really like the angle, I think you can work out this same 'pose' with better results.

edit: love your signature, by the way!

[OverAnalyzer]

ha ha ha...no it doesn't creep me out. well, not a lot....

the 'pose' is sort of my solution for where I had her, and her basic lack of ability to control her muscles. LOL

I agree about the color -- so, getting her closer to the light source might help that? Is there something I can adjust in the settings to help? I really want to blame it on her being jaundiced...but she wasn't any more by this point. I took this picture with her laying on a black fleece blanket on a bed that is right next to a window. No flash...the light in the room is overhead...it might be part of the issue too, I suppose. Hmmm....a set of reflectors is on my Christmas list, so hopefully I'll be able to correct some of my lighting issues once I get those. I've taken a lot of pics of her and her brother in this same place. The result definitely varies depending on how much sunlight is coming in....

Anyway, thank you both for your comments. I definitely appreciate them. I spent a nice chunk of change on this stuff and it is about time I actually learned how to use it properly.

[lputman]

Position yourself so that the window light is coming from your side or from behind you. If you have to move the bed out, then do so. You can use a posterboard/foamcore as a reflector.

Here's my sample infant shot with the window behind me, we were in the kitchen and pushed the table away from the window as far as we could, they had a full blown dining set in the breakfast nook, which didn't leave much room. The baby was on a dining chair with a white blanket hanging over the back of the chair....

[OverAnalyzer]

I'm going to toy with this some more. Picked up a foam core white board today. Off to read a bit about how to best use reflectors. Thanks again...and that is an adorable baby shot. I'd never have guessed it wasn't in a studio with all the trappings.

[Mr.Intensity]

The lighting isn't such an issue with me- I like natural, for what ever it's worth but, the perspective and that uncomfortable angel is. But you 'went for' something different, keep at it

[fortunato_uno]

you could fix a lot of the things using photo shop or a cheap equivalant (i use gimp and fotofiltre). a simple rotation of the picture could adjust the falling baby look that was brought up. as for the colors well your thought to get a white board will work fine just do it close to your subject to get the most accurate reading.
I hope this helps and that you might be just as forthcomming with me.