Mom's Bday pics need lots of help

[Danger Mouse]

Took some pictures at my mom's 60th birthday. Here's 2 after I cropped them and did a little post processing. Please give me as much constructive criticism as possible. I'll be doing some family protraits this Christmas and I want to make sure they come out as good as possible since it's so hard to get my family together these days. If there are some changes you think would help please let me know what they are and why they would improve things so I can better understand. TIA.

#1
Rebel XT
1/60
F4
21mm
ISO400
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/158/330070463_7f811f6f24_o.jpg


#2
Rebel XT
1/60
F4
21mm
ISO400
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/156/330070454_a16fe83000_o.jpg

[JimHejl]

In general: Don't center the subject. You have too much "head room" in both photos. Also, maybe try standing back - and zooming in (it will help shake that "snapshot" feel).

In cs2, just did some simple stuff,

- crop
- adjusted histogram (to get non-linear-brightness)
- dodged teeth
- intentional vignette to center the interest
- multiplied the image with a black & white version of itself (standard "bleach bypass" trick), for a little bit of style

[JimHejl]

On this one, I think all the color distracts from the moment you captured. Pure black & white looked to cold, so I warmed it up a bit.

The 'film look' is just because i'm bored :)

[Danger Mouse]

In general: Don't center the subject. You have too much "head room" in both photos. Also, maybe try standing back - and zooming in (it will help shake that "snapshot" feel).

In cs2, just did some simple stuff,

- crop
- adjusted histogram (to get non-linear-brightness)
- dodged teeth
- intentional vignette to center the interest
- multiplied the image with a black & white version of itself (standard "bleach bypass" trick), for a little bit of style

Thanks so much for the tips. Looks great. I'll go home and practice on the origionals some more.