The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!!! Please Critique

[Mad Aussie]

The sharpness certainly looks better in the 1st and 3rd ones.

[theantiquetiger]

The sharpness certainly looks better in the 1st and 3rd ones.

Yeah, I didn't realize how much the site compression softens the image. The middle image was a full size image I accidently clicked on and it compressed. The other two, I resized in Gimp and then uploaded.

[Marko]

One more. I think this came out unbelievable!!!!

(I received a PM to critique the image in post 10)

Although i hate to rain on anyone's parade, I must be honest, especially when asked directly.

I do like the light, colour and overall comp, though I would have liked to have seen her full pinky finger if I'm being really critical.

That said.......the eyes are simply too soft here and therefore this image to my eye is seriously compromised and would be relegated to the souvenir pile. (Just my opinion tho).

[theantiquetiger]

I think the eyes are much better than I've been hitting on, but I just cannot get that sharpness. The over all comp of this image, I wasn't too big on it at first (that's why I didnt post it at the beginning of the thread), but after manipulating it, it has grown on me. The original was with The background in focus. I basically did a layer mask and did a g. Blur of 30 and then did another layer mask and g. Blur of 5 on her body, so just her face was clear.

[Marko]

As we get more experience, we become WAY more critical with our photography. I can see why you like the shot, it's oozing sweet cute. But let me know if you "love" the shot 6 months from now after you post shots with sharp eyes.
In terms of sharpness, Up the shutter speed next time. 1/50 is probably too slow for you.
Go to 1/125 for that focal length next time.
I rarely shoot animals of any kind at less than 1/60.
Kids can be jittery buggers and their movement OR your movement is likely adding "shake" into the shot.
Triple check the focus after the shot by zooming in on the eye. If it's not the sharpest element of the shot, reshoot it right then and there.
Hope that may help - marko

[theantiquetiger]

OK, one more, please just critique the eyes (second image). I know I missed the bow at the top and her arms look weird.

I am adding this one to compare to the second one

[Mad Aussie]

Definitely a huge improvement ... you must be able to see what we mean now ... how that original was just a keepsake but these are good photos! Use the levels tool to bring up the background darker bits and you've got a damn nice photo there.

[theantiquetiger]

Definitely a huge improvement ... you must be able to see what we mean now ... how that original was just a keepsake but these are good photos! Use the levels tool to bring up the background darker bits and you've got a damn nice photo there.

Thanks! As for the background, I am still a little naive in obtaining that. I tried, but it did not come out well.

Here is the original untouched (reduced in size)