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I'm just starting to get serious and would like some real critique.

This shot is very soft - maybe scanned at too low a resolution? I would crop the child's arm more - I find the fold at his elbow distracting. Otherwise, the colors are pleasing and his expression is sweet.

yeah its partially the size and resolution here. But in the original, just the eye is in sharp focus the rest is soft. . I've been using my macro lens and really short focal ranges for portraits... so I guess is that does that work, or is the more overal softness distracting?

her arm is distracting to me.

When shooting kids it is sometimes best to be on there level. The arm wouldn't be an issue. Photos looking down at kids usually don't do it for me.

all the tech points aside, you have a great shot, with great colours! the arm isn't as important as the ear is though. Nice shot with real emotion.www.careynash.com