christmas shoot - a month late

[audrey-g]

during christmas i planned a photoshoot with these 2kids. hundreds of shots, with a few decent ones, i was very satisfied with this one until i recently showed it to a fellow photographer. he commented on too much dead space and suggested black vignetting. i pretty much like it as it is, but i would appreciate comments on the composition.



i know it's late for a christmas pic, but i need the feedback for peace of mind
thanks

[zona5101]

Maybe. Your blur vignette works. It leads the focus to the kids and text. I think a black/dark vignette would work too but using my minds eye to replace your blur with dark and I don't see it adding all that much. Your selective coloring has the same effect as the dark vignette to bring the focus to the kids while leaving the image open and unconstrained. 6 of one 1/2 dozen of another - i like that you chose something different than everybody else.

[audrey-g]

thank you for your thoughts zona. i think its a question of opinion too

[lise47]

I think this is a very nice picture, the selective color and blur I love it. Do you think you could share with us all the steps to achieve this. Thanks for sharing this with us.

[audrey-g]

hi lise47. welcome to dps! sure-let me give you the steps. first take a hundred and one pictures of the kids you want in the positions you like and in the pre-thought setup. then pray you'll get a decent pic cos kids move so much!!!!!! ideally get a helper to entertain them-i had one behind my back.
as to the pp. in photoshop crop to desired form, create new layer, put image in bw and erase over children. or create a layer mask and paint over them. you can also select kids, then select inverse and turn selection to bw. there are many ways to do it. if you go on you tube you will find tutorials.
the blur vignette is just an elliptical marquee tool and filter-lens blur. and you're done!
i hope that gives you an idea!