excitement
by dexter51

Comment by Nelzie:
This image is very 'snapshotty' and as such isn't likely to score very high. With that said, let me say that the subject is very cute and very photogenic.

With this sort of image, the best thing would be to get a little lower to the ground so that the camera is just about at the high level of the subject, this can make the subject more 'equal' with viewer.

The flash on the camera created the shadow behind the subject's head and around the right foot. This can detract from the overall presentation of the image, at least in terms of a more 'artful' approach to photography.

The next step would be to bring the subject more fully into the frame zooming in or moving closer to capture more of the face and less of everything else around and behind the subject. This can provide a better shot of the eyes with that 'twinkle' of the lighting catching in the subjects eyes.

Finally, the location of the subject in relation to everything around the subject is a bit distracting to the overall image. Unfortunately, with this image, it isn't easy to correct.

In this situation, what I would do is place the subject in front of the Christmas Tree. (I have to assume that one was present, based upon the Merry Christmass wrapping paper.) She should be posed, just as she is and the lighting should be mostly ambient, like from an open window with the flash turned off.

I have a few examples of portrait type shots currently on the frontpage of my portfolio, one is a decent example of what I am talking about titled "Portrait of a Lady", the other one "A Portrait" is an example of not paying attention to the background, in that one the frame of the picture behind the subject shouldn't appear to be "growing" out of the back of the skull of the subject.

Anyway, I hope that I have been helpful and that others have been helpful as well. Many of us are here to help eachother learn and grow into better photographers, even though sometimes the critiques/comments might seem 'mean'.

Keep it up and I hope to see much more of your work!

excitement
by dexter51

Comment by shudderbug:
Really sweet girl and you've certainly captured her excitment, however compositionally and artistically it is lacking. Too much clutter.

excitement
by dexter51

Comment by Kelli:
Christmas morning is wonderful. Great capture.

excitement
by dexter51

Comment by madison461:
This is just too snapshot like to be considered "Best of".....

excitement
by dexter51

Comment by Melethia:
What a happy girl! You'll probably get comments that this is too much of a "snapshot" but it portrays emotion nicely. With advanced editing techniques, you could possibly subdue the background a bit to focus even more on your subject.

excitement
by dexter51

Comment by 3DsArcher:
That captures what Christmas is all about for me; the look of total joy on the childrens faces. It really is priceless.

excitement
by dexter51

Comment by Konador:
Definately shows the excitement of christmas :) Nice capture of her expression :)

excitement
by dexter51

Comment by dartompkins:
snapshot.

excitement
by dexter51

Comment by AutumnCat:
Great expression. The photo looks too much like a snapshot, though, (not necessarily always a bad thing) - but the lighting is harsh and the photo is cluttered in the foreground and has a distracting background.

excitement
by dexter51

Comment by ClubJuggle:
The composition of this photograph is very cluttered and the flash makes for harsh shadows. She's an adorable kid and this is a cute snapshot, but there's nothing to make it an especially outstanding photograph.