Critique needed / My first shots in manual

[JSkriloff]

This is my first post for the critique of one of my shots and as well one of the first pictures that I have taken using Manual mode on camera. It is also the first shot that I have taken in manual mode that turned out as I had intended. This is a shot of my youngest daughter's delight to be on a swing and my delight to have a moving smiling subject to shoot. My question is the aperature is set to f/4.5. I expected the background to be more out of focus.
I appreciate any feedback and suggestions.



Av: 4.5
Shutter 1/80
ISO 400
Focal Length: 23.0
Flash Off

[Chip]

To answer your last question first, the shorter the focal length, the deeper the DOF. Also, the further you are from your subject, the deeper the DOF. This DOF Calculator helps illustrate these points, So, to get more of a blurred background, you can shoot with a longer focal length and/or move in closer (which might be hard with those feet coming at you!).

Exposure seems good, so congrats on getting the manual thing to work. That's a big step.

For the photo, to my eye, there's a just a bit too much dead space on both sides of your daughter. Maybe crop in post, or zoom in tighter and shoot in portrait mode if you can re-shoot?

Also, 1/80th seems too slow for an action shot like this. On my laptop monitor, there seems to be a bit of motion blur - hard to tell, though. Maybe you could get a faster shutter by waiting for a sunnier day and/or turning up the ISO?

Good photo. She's a cutie!

[JSkriloff]

The boots did get me a few times.

Thanks for the advice Chip. The DOF calculator is really helpful. Yes, it was an extremely overcast day. It looked like it could rain at any moment. I doubt I'll be able to reshoot this particular shot any time soon. As you probably know, getting a two year old to look directly at a camera is not an easy task, let alone getting her to smile.

Cropping the edges out is something I did not think of. While we are on the subject of Post Processing, can anyway reccomend budget freindly software?

Thanks Again.

[Chip]

The GIMP is free and it's a good editing program.

And Meet the GIMP is a helpful tutorial site with videos. I find it really useful.

Picasa is also a free editing program that many people like.

[BabsS]

Chip, I am new to photography and am trying to learn everything I can. The DOF Calculator is amazing!
Thank you and all the others who are so knowledgeable for taking the time out of your busy days to help others!
Believe me, it's very much appreciated!