Critique

Long time lurker here. Finally to the point that I'm trying to develop my skills and would like some critique/feedback.

Working on a 365 album this year to try and help keep me focused on shooting throughout the year. Poor kids, I've been chasing them around the house with my camera, which will probably continue until the spring thaw.

This is my latest entry, a shot of my son I took today. Please share your thoughts on what I can do to improve upon this. Thanks!

Not too bad, but it's just awkward feeling since he is looking up so much. The light from the tablet competes with his face as well. Focus looks good though. Light is a bit hot on the right side of his face. Is there a reason it was shot at such a high angle?

You might consider chasing after your kids on your hands and knees. Look-down shots are seldom compelling. It's the most common error that parents make. Get down to their level.

joedlh wrote in post #16676416
You might consider chasing after your kids on your hands and knees. Look-down shots are seldom compelling. It's the most common error that parents make. Get down to their level.

Oh, I think it's "compelling" all right, but not in the way that he/she probably intended. I think this image is actually quite interesting, but that's largely because I feel like the child is about to get punched in the face.

I see your point, but I think what I get from "typical" child pictures is that they diminish the child. They make him/her look small or insignificant. Which in some cases can come off as kind of cute (from a parent's viewpoint, because that accurately reflects their memory; the child is probably gonna hate those photos when viewing them years later). But then when you take that and add a "holy $***" look on the kid's face...I'm sorry, but it just looks (to me) like this child is getting abused.

That certainly adds some visual interest (to me), but I get the impression that that is NOT the message that you wanted to say.

And hey...maybe I'm in the minority here and am the only one who is seeing that. If that's the case, then fine. I'm just saying, that's what I'm seeing here.

I like it. Looking up at you, away from the tablet my first thought is well done for getting a childs attention away from the tablet! Many stories of what could be going on spring to mind - makes it a bit intriguing - What did you say? What does he want? etc etc. Does give well lit big eyes, which is always attractive.