Becky

[Alison]

Window light only / no reflector / no flash
AV mode
SS 1/20, F/5.6, ISO 1600
Kit Lens

I had only had my camera for 1 month when I took this.
I didn't actually have a clue what I was doing (still don't really lol).
I didn't even know how to lock my focus!
However, I can't turn the clock back and it has to be one of my favourite photographs of Becky, my 14 year old daughter.

As always, your thoughts please (good or bad). Thank you in advance.

[CLKunst]

I remember you posted this one for your rule of thirds thread in the Photography as Art forum. I think the most important thing about this picture is the contact with her eyes. This image certainly embodies the defining of your style which seems to me to be whimsical and romantically inspired portraits.

You have already said it's your favorite picture of her so what I have to say about the angle of the image, or her accessories, or catch lights or other such nit-pickery seems less important than asking you why this is your favorite picture of her. What is it that YOU see when you look at this image that makes you say 'Yes! I've done it! THIS is Becky'!? And since we don't have a time machine to fix what flaws that YOU see with this image I would go one further and ask you this; how do you think it could be improved now that you know so much more?

[Alison]

Well, to take photographs of Becky this day was not my intention.
I was testing the light in my very dark bedroom to take photographs of my nieces.
Becky dived on the bed and started posing in the hats. I wasn't fussy about her hair because I wasn't going to keep her shots.

She just turned on her charm in this shot. I was extremely happy with her eyes and her smile was very natural looking too. I also love her pose.

I keep going back to this image and making changes because I think it's worthy of more than the recycle bin. Plus I know a little more PS than I did before. This time around I love how rich I have made the colours without the use of filters to soften skin etc.

To improve the shot, now I know a little more, I think...
I would arrange her hair better and the positioning of the hat string. I think her ear is a little distracting, especially the ear-ring, so I would probably hide it with her hair. Or have her hair up.
I would use my 50mm 1.8 lens (which I didn't have at the time) if space allows.
I would probably use my 430EX flash, bounced. (If I could get away with not using my flash I would).
To use some sort of reflector, be it foil or white paper/fabric, to keep the light in the image.
Bring my ISO down because 1600 creates noise.
Use Manual mode so I can select my own SS and F stop.
And lock my focus on her eyes or alternatively use the manual focus on the lens.

Having said all that, I still think it's worthy of printing, framing and hanging on her wall as it is

[CLKunst]

I think you very neatly identified and addressed every issue I also have with this image plus a few I didn't. Your suggestions for a re-shoot also seem to be spot on. I think the bottom line with this one though is that you love it even though it's not perfect and that should be enough to earn it a place on your wall or in an album. And here's an idea, do your re-shoot and put it right next to this one where you work so you can appreciate the great strides you've taken in your skills in such a short time period. ;)

[Alison]

Thank you CLK. That was crafty, getting me to cc myself LOL.