My new baby photo shoot

[trav.cunningham]

Just had my fourth baby and was able to do a quick photo shoot. Some of my favorites are at my flickr site: Flickr: trav.cunningham's Photostream

This particular shot I was holding her in my hand, but I think I need more contrast in the background to make it stand out. What do you think?



EXIF
Canon XSi with 50mm II lens
Av: 2.8
Tv: 1/60
ISO: 100
WB: Cloudy

[Katie_Belmont]

When I first looked at it I couldn't immediately tell that someone was holding her. It looked like you had just blurred the blanket she was laying on in an attempt to make it look like a shallower depth of field. After I read it of course I can see your hand but it wasn't obvious at first. Maybe one of the reasons is that she looks way to adorable and comfortable to be suspended in the air. Lol. Maybe showing a bit more of your hand in the next try might help. Hopefully someone with more experience with newborn shoots will be able to pinpoint what needs to be changed.

[SusanH1970]

I agree that the hand position is awkward. If your hand was spread out more, and her head was laying in the palm of your hand, with your fingers curled up around her head, I think it would be better. As it is, it looks a little funny, and your finger appears to be poking her in the eye. The way her two little fingers are poking in between yours is a little distracting, too.

Beautiful baby, though, congratulations! She does look incredibly peaceful and cozy, which is not always easy to capture, especially with this pose.

[FallinWoman]

I LOVE her fingers poking through yours....your hands are linked. How sweet is that?
I do agree with the problem of your finger sort of being in her eye.
And I agree with you, I think a darker background would bring more of the focus onto your precious daughter!

[trav.cunningham]

Thanks for all the advise and tips. I will try it again. She is a heavy sleeper so I should be able to get a second chance . I will remember to have my hand higher on her head and not poke her eye . Maybe I can have someone look at the LCD after the shot too. I was alone during this shot using the remote, so I couldn't see how the composition was turning out. If I get another shot soon I will repost it.

[PS*]

I just took a quick look at your Flickr and I think you didn't have a baby but instead a babydoll! She is perfect! Oh my goodness, her face is just prefect! She looks like every doll I ever wanted as a child! She is beautiful, congratulations. I look forward to seeing more!

Yes, I did gush!

[daddyoproductions]

I think mostly people keep to a neutral background so as not to distract from the little darling...also sometimes simpler/minimal clothing is better..she is a cutie!

[srt]

There are some great groups on flickr that can give you some ideas on different poses and shots to try while she is still little and sleeps well. Make the most of it!
(Off the top of my head there is a 'newborn posing inspiration group' and a 'newborn to 1 month' group to start).

I think your photo is pretty great considering u did it all by yourself! But I agree you needed a plain background.