Ways to improve this?

I liked how this turned out but know very little about composition...

HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Redirected to error image by FLICKR

I love the shot! I spent some time looking at this one and thinking about the composition. There's one element that is really subtle. Right now the shot to me conveys the young girl is slightly timid, being led into something challenging or otherwise unknown. That doesn't really match up with the facial expression and playful shirt. However, the left shoulder & hip position is what makes me feel that. Her left shoulder is slightly more forward, which suggests she is being led forward. For me, if her shoulders are more squared, or even her right shoulder forward, it shows that she's the one leading towards something, or is eager to move forward. I think that small change might change the meaning of the picture a lot! I don't think one is right or wrong, just a thought about how something so subtle can change the meaning/vision so much!

You are exactly right. The truth is, these are new friends of ours and she didn't quite know what to make of the big white lens pointing at her, even though it was at 200mm!

If you want I have this little dinky plastic lens I'll send you in exchange for that intimidating white beast..... *snicker* Seriously, it's a great shot overall. I bet her parents enjoy having a new friend capable of capturing such great moments of their daughter.

Yep, and I enjoy his impressive Scotch collection!!

Ephur wrote in post #11123191
If you want I have this little dinky plastic lens I'll send you in exchange for that intimidating white beast..... *snicker* Seriously, it's a great shot overall. I bet her parents enjoy having a new friend capable of capturing such great moments of their daughter.

PPFFFTTT... I have a pink mickey mouse lens I will trade you for that ugly gray and red stripped monster you have. Kids will come running to you to have their pictures taken. Sounds fair to me.

Also I think it should be cropped much tighter. I dont like being able to see so much of the adult. This looks like it could be a screen capture from one of the child abduction shows. Crop it more. Of course thats just my humble opinion and Im usually wrong. Not about the lens swap though!!...

You know, you don't usually hear parents encouraging their kids towards big L Lenses... I think you should go for our of our trade offers... "Go ahead dear, go towards the man with the big white anterior protrusion."

I really like the shot, but feel a crop would give it more impact, the space on the upper left can be reduced. It will also bring more balance
Here is my take

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

She is a doll! Good capture and excellent conversion. I love the expression and her hair.

The crop is much better! Thanks!

Here's how it looks now

Magic!