I'd appreciate comments on this photo. It was my first time taking baby photos and, while I quite like the photo, there's something it lacks. Suggestions?

Regards,
Fergus

-- Fergus Hammond (fhammond@adobe.com), January 28, 2002

Answers

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.

-- Kai Blanke (kai.blanke@iname.com), January 28, 2002.

Fergus

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.

As it stands, its too "soft".

-- John (ouroboros_2001@yahoo.com), January 28, 2002.

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.

-- jason gold (leeu72@hotmail.com), January 28, 2002.

Yes, yes... that's it.

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

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

-- John (ouroboros_2001@yahoo.com), January 28, 2002.

Hi, Fergus:

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).

Maybe emphasizing the contrast between the soft baby skin texture and the sweater's (deeper DOF?)could help.

Regards

-Iván

-- Iván Barrientos M (ingenieria@simltda.tie.cl), January 28, 2002.

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.

-- Emile de Leon (knightpeople@msn.com), January 28, 2002.

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.

-- Hans Berkhout (berkhout@cadvision.com), January 28, 2002.

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...

thanks,Fergus

-- Fergus Hammond (fhammond@adobe.com), January 29, 2002.