Hey Paul -- didn't see anybody else commenting on this so I thought I would.
Here's what happened as I brought this image up. I started looking at the baby's face and then my eyes literally snapped up and over to the smiley face on the crib toy and had a hard time leaving it. Even looking at it now, I find my eyes tracking up there over and over.
I think the image is really strong as you have it and would only suggest a couple of things to play with in Photoshop -- or whatever program you're using.
First, try an image where you clone (or use the heal tool) to remove the smiley face on the toy. It might not help, but I think it would be worth giving it a shot if you can manage it cleanly.
Second, it looks like you selected a circle/oval around the baby's face, feathered the edges, and then blurred the area outside the circle/oval. Right now, the fact that the blur cuts through part of the baby's hand is what is prompting the following, if you have the capability. Draw a loose selection around those things that are both nearest and furthest from the camera (both of the toys, foreground blanket, and pillow -- being careful with your selection where the toy and baby's face overlap), then blur this area after feathering your edges. Now draw a selection around everything BUT the baby's face, feather the edges and blur everything again. (Near and far things get blurred twice.) You will have to be really careful in the areas around the baby's face, but I think it will add that extra bit of realism to the shot.
Just some ideas to play with if you get the chance. Like I said, this is strong (in my book) and think maybe you could make it still stronger if you'd like to play with it some more. But as always, that's my two cents so take them for what they're worth in this economy.
If I wasn't clear, or you'd like to ask questions, or get some more feedback, or whatever, let me know.
Jeff |
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