Critique on a portrait

[Gina]

Hi everyone, any critique gratefully received. I used my 430EX Canon flash as the only other available light was the living room 'big light' LOL

[Graham_of_Rainham]

Re: Critique on a portrait

Any comments on an image such as this is always going to be difficult, purely because of the subject.

You have captured one of those special moments, that is full of emotion and there are few that would view this in any way other than to acknowledge the feelings being portrayed.

Technically the composition is excellent. I like tight crops and this is a very well chosen crop to present only the elements that are important.

The lighting, as you have described, is far from ideal and has obvious flaws. It has provided a fair range of contrast and is acceptable for colouration.

Given the opportunity to recreate this for a truely memorable image for the family album, this would be a super shot. But, would you ever get that expression in the eyes, would the baby ever appear that comfortable, when required, I doubt it very much.

If it were my image, I'd try all manner of film effects to see if I could render this wonderful moment in a way that better presents it.

Thanks for showing this one.

[Gina]

Re: Critique on a portrait

Thank you very much Graham, I appreciate your time and advice. It's not an ideal location for this kind of image so I have to do the best I can. I'd love better lighting, location etc., but for now I try to make full use of my editing software. I will continue editing as you suggest and repost.

[Patrick]

Re: Critique on a portrait

Hi everyone, any critique gratefully received. I used my 430EX Canon flash as the only other available light was the living room 'big light' LOL

I can't add much to what Graham has said except one thing "depth of field"
I checked the exif data and you used f5 if it were possible f8 or even f11 to bring the baby into full focus. The mothers eyes are as sharp as they need to be, the baby however is not and the baby is of equal importance to the picture as mother.

Patrick

[Graham_of_Rainham]

Re: Critique on a portrait

I can't add much to what Graham has said except one thing "depth of field"
I checked the exif data and you used f5 if it were possible f8 or even f11 to bring the baby into full focus. The mothers eyes are as sharp as they need to be, the baby however is not and the baby is of equal importance to the picture as mother.

Patrick

From a "technical" point of view, I think you are right. For me, though, the softness of the focus on the baby, depicts so well the softness that is a baby. Then again I'm a big softy, so I'm bound to see it that way

[Ian]

Re: Critique on a portrait

From a "technical" point of view, I think you are right. For me, though, the softness of the focus on the baby, depicts so well the softness that is a baby. Then again I'm a big softy, so I'm bound to see it that way

Having met Graham a few times, I think his self-awareness is stunningly accurate

Ian

[Patrick]

Re: Critique on a portrait

From a "technical" point of view, I think you are right. For me, though, the softness of the focus on the baby, depicts so well the softness that is a baby. Then again I'm a big softy, so I'm bound to see it that way

I know what you are saying but none the less I think sharp to be best to bring out that skin tone only baby's have, almost like porcelain.
The little ear would look so beautiful and delicate.

Patrick

[Gina]

Re: Critique on a portrait

LOL there's nothing wrong with being a big softy, it shows great compassion. x

[Josh Bear]

Re: Critique on a portrait

Hi loads of excellent points already. My only thought that is different is have you tried the picture in B&W?

That said I am on the kids Imac and the screen is not calibrated and touch overdoing the colours leading me don the B&W road!!

Best regards

josh

[Gina]

Re: Critique on a portrait

I took about ten shots, didn't have much time as it was a flying visit but here are 2 others...

[Josh Bear]

Re: Critique on a portrait

Wow,

the B&W is great. The mother's eyes lokking down at the baby make it! My fav by far for that reason and the B&W

Best Regards

Josh

[Gina]

Re: Critique on a portrait

Thanks Josh, you made my day xxx

[coupekid]

Re: Critique on a portrait

I took about ten shots, didn't have much time as it was a flying visit but here are 2 others...

Oh I love this one, the mother looking at the baby evokes all the right emotions for me.

Sorry, I am not too keen on the first one, the light is a little harsh, however, this is super!