Stormy Day

[Egreen213]

I am brand new at photography (having lots of fun learning). I took this picture of my four year old niece (at South Beach in Miami, Florida). I wanted her to look at me for the shot, but after many requests ~ I decided to just take the picture. Just looking for some feedback on my first HDR photo.

I used a Canon Xti with kit lens 18 - 55 mm to take this picture.

Thank You for any input you can offer.

[Ennor]

personally, i think it is quite good. captues the mood perfectly, clear and crisp with nice warm tones. The young'un facing away from the camera works well. The stormy cloudscape works with the rest of the image as well. You must be proud of this effort Egreen 213. If anything, the horizon needs straightening. it is not quite level

[Egreen213]

Thank you Ennor for the response. Yes, I am proud of this picture (especially since I just started taking pictures 2 months ago). I've read a lot about photographing kids and a lot of the tips say ~ just let the kids be kids. The minute you ask them to do something, or pose, the picture will look staged. Of course, I didn't want to listen to that advice and I asked her over and over to look at me for the pictures! Wouldn't you know it ~ once I just took the picture ~ this one was my favorite (not the ones where I said "please, look at the camera!" I'll try and straighten the horizon ~ Thanks!

[ML Photography]

It's a big result considering that you started photographing two months ago... Congratulations.

But, may I ask you something? Did you use a flash to shoot the picture? I say so because I see the shadow of the young lady(which is quite distracting, actually) but yours is missing...

[Egreen213]

ML, Thank you for the critique. I was not using a flash that day as I was working with a setting sun. I cropped my shadow out as it was distracting but thought my nieces shadow would indicate a sunset. As I am fairly new to this I do appreciate all of the feedback I can get. I have no mentor so I thought this forum would be a good place to gain some insight.
Wishing you a good day!
Eileen