this good enough for the wall?

[montreal]

I want to give my parents pics of their grandchildren for christmas. Do you guys think this one looks too "staged"? (for the record it's not... he was in that position because he was bored and smiled when I looked at him... but then again if it does look like an artificial pose, it doesn't matter what the real story is...)

I'm not really objective because it's family... that's why I need your help. Don't be shy I can take it. :)

[boomer1959]

I think it is a wonderfull photo Montreal. I'm sure they will love it:D

[LadyHawk]

If I was his grandmother, I would love this picture! Nice composition, and your son's smile is very natural...

[Desertraptor]

Top shot. I'd be happy with a shot of my kids like that :)

[montreal]

Thank you for your comments.

Btw he's my nephew, not my son :)

[ssl734]

Very nice photo. Good exposure and focus, good expression. I would crop on the left just a little bit, not much.

[Suedezu]

Awesome portrait. Leave it like that and go and print it out for your grandparents. They will certainly be impressed.

Everything is as it should be: composition, colours, expression.

[Scottes]

I know what you mean about the staging - the pose does kind look staged. But I don't think you could stage that expression. It's a winner for sure.

[Dubsta]

Looks dope man...keep it for sure...she will be very happy.

[Streetshooter]

Nice image but you asked for an opinion so here goes......
the hot spot above the sholder draws the eye away from his eyes.....just burn it down 50-75% and it'll read smoother......maybe even burn the corners down -50 at 20 mid range in camera raw....

try putting your finger over the hot spot to see what I'm talking about.....don

[Dubsta]

Nice image but you asked for an opinion so here goes......
the hot spot above the sholder draws the eye away from his eyes.....just burn it down 50-75% and it'll read smoother......maybe even burn the corners down -50 at 20 mid range in camera raw....

try putting your finger over the hot spot to see what I'm talking about.....don

Wow, you are so right...I never would have thought of that.

I guess I really have to start LOOKING at the picture...thanks for that SS, really helped me.

[Streetshooter]

Anytime man...I do editing for many photographers and artist......your on the right track....keep going.....later don

[montreal]

maybe even burn the corners down -50 at 20 mid range in camera raw....

I have no clue what you're talking about :o

I get the idea about the hot spot though. I'll try to do something about that.

[montreal]

Is this what you meant streetshooter?

[sorashell]

That's a gorgeous photograph and I don't think it looks staged at all! I don't think that you could stage a shot that looked so natural. :)

[JohnnyG]

It's a "hanger" (on the wall) shot for sure!

Frame it.........

[Hellashot]

It would have been better if his head was tilted the other way - in the direction of the majority of the frame. Would have given the image more balance.

[mijbril]

If you're parents don't like that, I'd ask them if you were adopted & can you see your real parents please!!!! I don't mind the tilt in his head & he seems to be splitting the light from the dark as well, works alright for me :)

[Carzee]

Its a classy portrait in anyone's language -its a print.

[tsmakrakis]

I really like the portrait by the way - it will make a great gift for your parents!!!

Can you please post the image the way it came out from the camera without RAW changes or Photoshop work? I am curious to see...
Thanks!

[montreal]

Can you please post the image the way it came out from the camera without RAW changes or Photoshop work? I am curious to see...
Thanks!

OK, here is the original. I didn't change much really. Just the white balance and perhaps (can't even remember for sure) a little tint adjustment to get rid of the green reflection in his face (from the trees). I believe I added a little exposure comp too.

[soupdragon]

Might look good a a B+W too.

[Streetshooter]

Montreal, you got it.....I would have made the corrections but I was running out of time....you nailed it tho.........thanks for the support.....don

[Orlin]

Nice work -- some PS work on blemishes (healing tool) would be in order...

[Elisabeth-Ann]

Lovely portrait, looks very natural - definitely should be framed!

[kevinma]

One of the most beautiful portraits I've seen on this site or any other.

Kevin.

[montreal]

Wow, thanks for your kind words :)

[lisa1969]

i think this is a great photo. I might bump up the contrast, sharpen and brighten the eyes a bit so they pop out! Handsome guy he is for sure!