Could use some cc, please. =)

I took these yesterday and would love some feedback. In particular I am working on color, focus, and exposure. I am really hungry to learn, so please give me any tips for improving.

Thanks!!!

First two with the 50mm 1.8 lens f- 2.2, ss 160, ISO 200

I am at work, so I do not have a lot of time, BUT, the first shot is magnificent! It is a wonderful, thoughtful pose. The focus is a tiny bit off, but that is OK for this shot. I would like to see more above the head - just a tad, clean up the background (the door handles [?] and light switch-plate just look like blobs and distract somewhat). Someone will likely suggest that you increase the color and contrast. I disagree in advance - this pose would work even better with more muted colors - giving it an antique appearance and some vignetting of the corners.

The second shot is the opposite of the first - pose looks forced and uncomfortable.

Third is a perfectly competent shot that flatters the subject well, but is not (to me) in any way outstanding.

Rad

Thank you Rad for your thoughtful cc. Unfortunately the first capture was cropped too tightly in camera to do anything good as far as composition goes. That's something I really need to work on and it's challenging with a 2 year old camera hating toddler. LOL

I will take your advice and try to clean up the background. It definitely needs it. I really like the idea of vignetting. I have found tutorials on the web for doing that in PS. Do you (or anyone else) have suggestions on how I should go about that? Do a black, gray, at what percentage, etc.? I don't have any experience with that in PS.

Thanks again, I appreciate your feedback.