Precious Children - March
by cbeller

Comment:
Hello from the Critique Club.

Initial Thoughts

A lovely photograph, but would love to see it larger.

Composition / Content

Composition is nice here. The off-centering really works, giving the photograph some depth. You've cropped the child's face nicely, although perhaps leaving the full chin in could have given more depth to the bottom of the image (showing the fall to the neck/chest.) The child himself is presented warmly, although the smile looks a bit forced, which is common. Sometimes presenting a look without a smile, if it seems more natural, can really help the mood of a photograph as well, but that's just a thought for the future, the smile does play well here.

Background

Nicely out of focus, and not cluttered, it adds to the feeling of depth around the face. As mentioned, I would have liked to have seen more at the bottom of the photo.

Camera Work - Technical

This is a very nice photograph technically. Nice exposure, good DOF, great focus. I think the eyes could have used more light, which could have been accomplished with a reflector or a reflective type surface.

Digital Processing

While your clarity is great, and contrast seems good for the background, I think that a little more highlight in the facial features and the eyes would have helped a bit. Maybe not so much on the facial features, but definitely in the eyes. Bringing the irises out would give the photo a great feel. I see that you did dodge the irises a little, but I think a bit more would have done wonders. Your neatimage work is good, I didn't get the feeling of it being over-smoothed, and there is still some nice texture in the skin.

Fits the Challenge

Hard to say that it doesn't fit the challenge, as I've seen many calenders that stick to subjects like this. I feel that the monthly connection is a bit weak, but that's entirely subjective.

My Opinion on the Photo

As mentioned, with a few minor tweaks, and perhaps a slightly larger presentation, this would go good in a calender of like images. It's a wonderfully warm and emotive photograph on it's own, and will be cherished by you and your family I'm sure.

Above the Clouds
by Rooster

Comment:
wow.
(yes, that's all I'm going to say. I'm allowed to *once* in awhile :)

Sun and Clouds
by Winterberg

Comment:
some dust on the sensor it looks like.

I got it !
by mariegbeve

Comment:
This thumbnail had such potential. I'd have liked to have seen it bigger, in focus, and a little less exposed.

Grid Lock
by caba

Comment:
For some reason.. I really.. really like this.

fork you
by muckpond

Comment:
hahahahahah. Nice.

Dice Cubes
by DCThiessen

Comment:
Very interesting, and a nice capture. The only flaw is the glare in the glass, which, I know, is impossible to manage with any decency with frontal lighting.

Best friends.
by toti

Comment:
This has a very gentle and nostalgic feel. Good job.

Body in grey
by Tiago

Comment:
A nice attempt with nude portraiture. Lighting is the weak point here, I believe. Too much of your model is in shadow, and the knee, being blown out, is far too distracting. I'd have loved to have seen much more detail and light on the form of the body. As it is, I'm just left wanting.

Wings of Imagination
by yuorme

Comment:
interesting. Definitely a unique vantage point. Could have used a touch more clarity and a little less noise, but I'll give you the kudos for imagination.