Comments, please

<p>I'd appreciate comments on <a href="http://www.dingoboy.com/0201/images/012702charlie.jpg">this photo</a>. It was my first time taking baby photos and, while I quite like the photo, there's something it lacks. Suggestions?</p>

<p>Regards,<br>

Fergus</p>

It really is nice theme and start, but I think there is too much

uninteresting to see in this picture. To me the theme of the little

hand just doesn't occupy enough space; otherwise, including the

woman's or baby's face (and eyes) would add another accent, even if

these would be OOF.

Fergus

<p>

FWIW I think if the background was pitch black your picture would've

been more dramatic. Perhaps a touch more contrast and DOF (max 1 more

stop) would've given it more impact.

<p>

As it stands, its too "soft".

One of the previous comments mentioned "too soft".I agree with that.

The hands,the main theme and the face,really too soft.Use a lil fill

flash or contrastier lighting.I prefer at least one face.This shot can

be redone.Use more poses and try close-ups.A 90mm could be perfect

little or no distortion.Take many photos at this time.The time rushes

by all too quickly.I once 'snapped' a 1st time grandfather and baby.

The sleeping child close to the face of grandad was 'it'.B/W is

perfect.The hands could be snapped closer.I think the photo is

passable BUT you need to go further,in angles,viewpoint and mostly

what you want to record/capture and remember.Take these comments with

a pinch of salt!No historian has ever lost a battle...

May you have good light and great exposures.

Yes, yes... that's it.

<p>

If you want to convey a sense of intimacy/closeness in the picture

either have both faces (mother/infant) or both hands in the frame.

Since both hands is a little on the un-natural side of things then it

should be both faces

<p>

Mother's left cheek to baby's right cheek? Intimate snuggle?

Hi, Fergus:

<p>

I think yours is a great idea that could have been better conveyed if

the little hand had been taken in a sharper and (perhaps) tighter

focus but the lack of technical data precludes more specific

observations on exactly how to do it (if I could).

<p>

Maybe emphasizing the contrast between the soft baby skin texture and

the sweater's (deeper DOF?)could help.

<p>

Regards

<p>

-Iván

You guys are too hung up on technique. This is a great shot full of

emotion in physical terms.This photo will stand the test of time in

that family!And maybe even grow. This was a real moment between

three people.It's important to feel during/click and not overthink

after.

Very sensitive recording. The baby's light coloured sleeve is a bit

distracting, could be burnt in. The attention is then more drawn to

the hair grasping hand.

Thanks very much to all who responded. I definitely appreciate the

advice. FYI, this isn't my baby but it is my wife holding a friend's

baby. We went to visit them and I took along my camera and some

Delta 400. I usually shoot slide film, so this was quite a change.

The shot wasn't posed, just a quick snap. Perhaps some more

Photoshop work would help it...

<p>

thanks,Fergus