A girl and her dog

Doing a senior photo shoot... Not totally sure about this... the dirty feet? lined up correctly? desaturate colors? and much much more maybe?

I'm torn..

Opinions appreciated.

IMAGE LINK: https://photos.smugmug​.com …M/_U6A4786-M.jpg&lb=1&s=A

The first thing I would have done (other than move closer when shooting) is to crop in on the subjects.

The overall look appears to be posing for a photo. A more relaxed, fun look would something to try. Not looking at the camera but interacting with the dog (smiling, laughing, etc.). Maybe try crossing her legs or have them pulled over to her left side some.

Possibly move the girl and dog away from where the door/gate(?) is so the two vertical boards are not close to the center of the frame. Also, move or zoom to eliminate the small section of grass in the front of the concrete.

Only my opinion.

Gart

I'm curious why you thought to compose the shot with the subjects over on the right, leaving uninteresting space on the left. Were you trying to adhere to the rule of thirds? In my opinion, the subjects would have been better treated with a center composition, rule of thirds be damned. Also, it looks a little overexposed on my monitor. Be careful with black (or white) subjects. The camera's light meter will try to make them gray. Next time, have the woman wear neutral colors. The black dog and the white pants provide a wide dynamic range. Something's got to give.

Thank you all. Great info.

The white balance is too blue for the girl, dog, and clothing.

Looks to be more of a dog portrait than a senior shot. I'd have her standing and dog lying. And as others have said, get closer.

It's about the fence, dog, young lady, in that order. Consider moving subjects forward and let that 2.8 work for you.

The light is flat. Dynamic light (a mix of light sources or sun and shade, etc) is more interesting. Flat light is good for documentary work since nothing is lost (no washed highs or lost lows) however it doesn't offer much in the way of dramatic effect. I suggest shooting her with her dog outdoors around trees and preferably on a sunny day that isn't too hot like early morning or late afternoon. You will get shadow play which adds dimension to a photograph. The rest is a matter of composition. I suggest free form and shoot a bunch of frames. There will be one or two surprise moments that will make the grade.