Hey everyone- I need your opinions/ critiques on this photo. I have been contemplating doing my children's school photos this year instead of paying an arm and a leg for a shot of them on some generic backdrop. I'm not entirely comfortable with portraits yet, and would like some tips on how to improve this shot before I go printing them for family and friends. Thanks guys :D
I think this is a million time better than those school photos (I hate those overpriced things!) We do the same with our girls--we just pay for the class photo so they can have that. It's beautiful shot. I might not do the border, only because it's distracting and cuts some of the beautiful photo out. But her face and background are both fabulous!!
My opinion only would be to crop out most of the top, as I don't think it adds to the picture. AND to watch the clothes here. Details will show up. I know, kids don't always see the details and don't always care but when they look back at the pictures, they will. See if your editing program has an eye brightening tool. Picnik.com has one. Bring out those eyes. Speaking of eyes, I just read a book that spoke about the catch-light. It's the white sparkle that brings life to the eyes. This author recommended always keeping a reflection in at least the leading eye. So, here you may need to reposition your daughters to get good lighting in their eyes.
I agree with what FaerieMoon says about the border, but other than that I really like it. The only other thing I'd do is crop it a bit so that there is less background above your daughter's head, so she fills more of the photo.
I would get rid of the faded edge if possible. And, the emphasis should be on the person at the expense of everything else – the top needs to be cropped off.
@clarissajohal thank you Clarissa. The second edit is exactly why I started this thread. I loved the shot to begin with but knew there had to be a way to make it even more special.
Rebecca,
I think everybody's ideas were right on, and the edited picture is better than the first. I think I would crop a little bit of the shirt as well, maybe to slightly above the sleeve level, again to put the emphasis on the face. The bright colorful design on the shirt is taking the attention away from the face.
your edit is great, but I think the background it a little busy - those beautiful curls are a little lost! otherwise, your lighting and her position are perfect.
I've also seen lots of portrait suggestions saying cut off the top of the head - it's hard to do, but it looks terrific, mught be somethign to play with for future portraits!
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I think everybody's ideas were right on, and the edited picture is better than the first. I think I would crop a little bit of the shirt as well, maybe to slightly above the sleeve level, again to put the emphasis on the face. The bright colorful design on the shirt is taking the attention away from the face.
I've also seen lots of portrait suggestions saying cut off the top of the head - it's hard to do, but it looks terrific, mught be somethign to play with for future portraits!