My grandaughter

[ckort]

This is my 3 yr old grandaughter Jenna. I just love to photograph her. Some of her candids are priceless!
Edit: Just noticed the flash reflection on the left side. Didn't even see it during PP.

http://i548.photobucket.com/albums/ii346/ckort66/IMG_1879_edited-2.jpg

[kevindar]

first off she is very cute. I wont go beyond that, b/c I am not sure if you want c&c or just sharing.

[Collin85]

Cute shot with the 50/1.8.

[ckort]

Thanks folks, and yes C&C is welcomed.

[kevindar]

the eyes are a little too much in shadow. you may have used bounce flash of the ceiling. her hair is well let, but then her eyes are not. I find I get better results if I bounce off a side wall, as long as its white, or even point the flash behind me of the back wall. with a side wall you get a more pleasant directional lighting, and with both, less likely to get both eyes in shadow.
something like this

[ckort]

Thank you kevin, and yes I did bounce the flash off the ceiling. I shot some photos later bouncing off the wall and the lighting was much better and more dramatic. Her upper lip was a little blown out so I did a levels adj. there but yes her eyes are a little on the dark side now that you mention it. I'm still trying to figure out to remove that flash reflection, lol that bugs me! Did I mention I'm new to PSE 7? Lot to learn, but it sure is fun! Thanks again.
Edit: Just saw your retouch and it looks better. Let me guess at what you did just so I can help understand my editing software. Did you "lasso" around the area, then feather and do a levels adjustment in a layer the flatten?

[kevindar]

Thank you kevin, and yes I did bounce the flash off the ceiling. I shot some photos later bouncing off the wall and the lighting was much better and more dramatic. Her upper lip was a little blown out so I did a levels adj. there but yes her eyes are a little on the dark side now that you mention it. I'm still trying to figure out to remove that flash reflection, lol that bugs me! Did I mention I'm new to PSE 7? Lot to learn, but it sure is fun! Thanks again.
Edit: Just saw your retouch and it looks better. Let me guess at what you did just so I can help understand my editing software. Did you "lasso" around the area, then feather and do a levels adjustment in a layer the flatten?
Ckort, there are many ways to skin a cat, and that would certainly be a very good way of doing it, and its non destructive to work in layers. that much said, I used the dodge tool set to shadow and 10% with a soft brush. you can also use the clone stamp tool on a second layer set to lighter, and use the area under her eye as source. i have found that to be excellent way to minimize bags under the eyes, as well as wrinkles.