My first post!

[eringreen]

Hey, This is a picture that I took on Christmas 2009, I didn't edit anything on this one, so this is an as is, I hope you like it and can't wait to hear back what you all think! Thanks!

(Also, since this is my first post can you help me make sure that I have the required info for the photo... thanks)






Date Taken: December 25th, 2009
Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel
Exposure: 1/60 sec
Aperture: F/5.6
ISO Speed: ISO - 400

[Preacherman]

Hi Erin, welcome to DPS. You are most welcome here, and I hope you stay with us and post many shots for us all to enjoy. You have posted in a critique section so you need to ask a specific question in order for the guys who can help you (not me) to comment. See Ciritique Rules. Other than that, you have come to the right place for enjoying your hobby/profession. I look forward to seeing more from you soon. PAUL

[WooD]

Was there any specific part of the image you wanted critique on?

[eringreen]

Sorry, umm.... I guess mainly with this shot I am wondering if it is cropped to closely around her face?
I have heard that it is bad to crop out the arms in a shot like this. So should I have taken it from farther away?

Thanks for your patience!

[SusanH1970]

I'm not wild about the crop or the pose. Her face and eyes are dead center, and as you mentioned, her arms are chopped. It also looks like her arms are growing out of her head.

Take a look at this info about "the rule of thirds". It's generally a good guideline to keep your subject (particularly their eyes in a headshot) in the ROT. Another great article is this one, "tips for composition in portrait photography".

Not a bad start at all, though! Your focus is excellent. Read, study, and most importantly, keep shooting!!! Welcome to DPS!