Eskimo kiss

[klpurkett]

Ok, this is my first attempt at posting a picture here... C&C greatly appreciated! I was trying to capture a fleeting Daddy/Daughter moment while out on a family walk. (In other words, I had no time to "set up the shot"... it was a "snap it or miss it" moment.



Here are the details of the shot:

Nikon D3100
kit lense
f/4.8
1/100 sec
ISO 100
Exp. comp -1
focal length 100mm

I'm struggling to decide how to crop this one. I know it's very "centered" as shot, but I'm not sure how to apply the rule of thirds in this particular case, or if this is as case where I'd be better off breaking that rule. Feel free to experiment if anyone has a suggestion here! I'm also wanting to learn as much as I can about proper exposure, so feel free to be brutally honest! I'm just beginning to shoot in Manual, and I'm pretty sure I have a LONG ways to go... Thanks for taking the time to look!
Kristy

[Shadowman]

I wouldn't worry too much about the image being "centered", it's a cherished moment and the sentiment alone outweighs any technical issues. If you really want to perfect the image then restage the scene and compose as you see fit, however I'll bet the staged image will have less impact emotionally and only an increased understanding of composition by you as a photographer.

I for years considered myself, and still do; a intuitive photographer, meaning the image captured was something that felt right. Within the past few years have I thought intently about the composition and I usually find that if I follow the rules of thirds; at least 20% of my capture will be trimmed.

My main goal of composition now is to fill the frame with my subject (usually for images with people) and trying to either place my main subject off center, below or above the horizon line, and trying to include good color, pattern, and keeping my lines straight. The last goal is usually the hardest for me.

[klpurkett]

Thanks for the feedback, John! I really appreciate your taking the time to comment. Have a great weekend!
Kristy

[NorthernFocus]

Hi, Kristy. It's a small version of the shot that you posted. At this size there's not much to comment on but content/composition. In that regard it's a lovely shot. Nice job.

[IzzieK]

Lovely...and +1 to John (Shadowman) comment. Also with Dan's. Upload a larger shot next time somewhere in between 1200 on the longest side. It may not look nice after you uploaded it, but it will right itself when you posted it and we have more to look at and critique.

[marlunn]

its a lovely spontaneous shot and the lighting is good, I go with all above on the composition. I think you captured the moment and that was the reason for the image and so it is a success, more manipulation than that and you would risk losing the feeling you saw and captured.

[deetheturk]

Lovely capture Kirsty

[Geoff F]

There is nothing wrong in portraits being centered; particularly when, like this scene, you have elements coming from each side towards the centre.

What always looks wrong to me is when a natural scene has been 'forced' to comply with an artificial rule, like using strict thirds. The world around me is more random.

[selig1656]

Lovely spontaneous photo , it is all about capturing that moment and that you did very nicely.Glad to have you aboard.

[just me]

I like it as it is........very nice image.......

[klpurkett]

Hi, Kristy. It's a small version of the shot that you posted. At this size there's not much to comment on but content/composition. In that regard it's a lovely shot. Nice job.

Thanks, Dan! I will post a larger version next time... I kept shrinking it to get it to fit on the screen, but I just misunderstood how the sizing works here. Thanks for taking the time to comment!

[klpurkett]

Lovely...and +1 to John (Shadowman) comment. Also with Dan's. Upload a larger shot next time somewhere in between 1200 on the longest side. It may not look nice after you uploaded it, but it will right itself when you posted it and we have more to look at and critique.

Thanks Izzie! That makes sense now, why it looked like it wouldn't fit on the screen when I first tried uploading it as a larger file! Thanks for explaining this! Much appreciated...

[klpurkett]

its a lovely spontaneous shot and the lighting is good, I go with all above on the composition. I think you captured the moment and that was the reason for the image and so it is a success, more manipulation than that and you would risk losing the feeling you saw and captured.

Thanks Mark! I often find myself either missing the moment (if I stop to adjust settings) or messing up on the technicalities (if I just jump on a quick shot like that), but every once in a while it all works out.

[klpurkett]

Lovely capture Kirsty

Thanks David!

[klpurkett]

There is nothing wrong in portraits being centered; particularly when, like this scene, you have elements coming from each side towards the centre.

What always looks wrong to me is when a natural scene has been 'forced' to comply with an artificial rule, like using strict thirds. The world around me is more random.

Thanks for your insight, Geoff. I agree that forced rules can ruin a shot, but I wasn't sure if it was just me not wanting to comply. I think it will take some time for me to realize it's okay to trust my eye! I appreciate your analysis and comment.

[klpurkett]

Lovely spontaneous photo , it is all about capturing that moment and that you did very nicely.Glad to have you aboard.

Thanks Raymond. I'm excited to be here, and am learning a lot already!

[klpurkett]

I like it as it is........very nice image.......

Thanks Griddi.