Just Be Clausby
scalvertComment by jpochard: Greetings from the Critique Club!
This is really a cute shot. The bokeh in this shot seems nicely done to me (although I'm sure no expert there.) It compliments the subject without being a distraction.
The expression on your son is priceless, and much more typical I'd venture to say than an overly posed shot. Personally, I like the lighting you have here. I think it gives a warm feeling to his face and makes his features the focus of the whole photo. The chest area might be just a little dark, but I think it works here and I'm really not sure I'd like the photo as much if that area was lightened.
I think it might have been improved a bit if his right elbow was included in the shot. Good catchlights in his eyes, although his overall facial focus seems just a bit on the soft side to me. I'm not sure if it's focus, or merely a softening effect you've given it. It's not distracting and I think it's just a matter of taste as to how "crisp" you want his features to appear.
The only other thing that might make a difference is his location within the frame of the photo. He seems to be more in the lower part of the frame. I think I might prefer a bit more bokeh on either side of him, not so much over the top of him. When I play with the framing, and crop off just a bit of the top, it seems to bring the attention to him even more, yet retain that nice bokeh effect for the background. Just my opinion.
Hope this is helpful. Beautiful shot of your son IMO.
Photographer found comment helpful.