I really like this one. I don't really think that it looks unnatural at all. This is the way that she was laying and it is how you captured her. Uncomfortable, maybe, but nonetheless, I think it is a fantastic shot.

I like how intriguing this photo is.

I've ready through a lot of the comments and I kind of agree but I kind of like the out-of-the-norm element you have going! I think I'm going to be the only one but to me, I don't think she looks as tense but like you caught her in motion. Her facial expression does make her appear a little uncomfortable but she's child. We love an facial expression they give! Her hair is caught under her face as well as the side of the ottoman so it doesn't look completely unnatural. I kind of like it!

I think the hues and tones here are excellent! And I like the white/khaki with the black.

The only thing that does get my attention is the extra space around her. Since she does seem a little off center, it makes my eyes think there is more space than what there really is. I would have cropped at the top a bit and on the right side.

I know what you mean by photographing family! I take pictures of my nephews and they squirm and squirm and squirm because they think Aunt Steph is there to play!!

Well done photo! Can't wait to see what you capture with her next time!

Wow, never thought this photo would get this kind of attention. Interesting take & comments from everyone. Thank you all!

I'm disappointed that I haven't had the time to try again and incorporate the suggestions, but I keep coming back to this photo of her. The little Mona Lisa Smile puts a grin on my face!

Great frame and nice technique.

Eine tolle Aufnahme. Weiter so.

omg, this tops all other 'best macros' I've seen. stunning!

OUCH !
brilliant.

Excellent. Never seen a macro with the subject in motion before.

How in the world did you do this?! It is amazing! :D

spot on

Can any of those people please give that girl a sandwich?

cute picture, with lots of energy...captures the attitude of kids very well...greatjob!

I think this could have been exceptional if the shot was dropped down some so there isn't as much white space up above, you didn't have the shadows behind them and it was exposed so that the white space was close to being blown out. I really like the expressions and the boy on the right moved forward from the others and out front.

I like the composition but maybe with more continuos shoting you could have got even more interesting faces expressions.

agree with BepperRdam, consecutive capture could result in even better face expressions.

This shot makes me smile. Agree about the white spaces, but it's a fun image. Well done.

Where's his hard hat, safety glasses and steeled-toe shoes? - Sorry I work in construction... I really like how his posture and expression show deep thought.

He looks tired. Love the sky!

tres bon traitement, excellent

Very nice. Great depth. Really draws the viewer in. Fascinating color, highlights & shadows.

Great shot! It captures the eye!

This is beautiful, what is it? Looks man made??

Since you asked, it's an antique Gramophone. I have a picture of the entire thing on my photoblog from a month or two ago.

Very cool, thanks for sharing!!

Hmmm, maybe I don't have a prejudiced opinion about the composition of the arch becouse to me it is not familiar. I have never seen a photo of it. I don't know how the whole arch looks likes and how it could be showed diffrent.

Thanks for the comments. I thought I had captured the boat in time before it got behind the arch but all of this was rather difficult to put together since I had to shoot through thick plexi-glass with a lot of glare. I was pushing the lens up to the glass to avoid as much of the distortion as possible. Seeing the arch everyday and almost always in its entirety for photos, I wanted to capture it in the different way. I tried to use the arch to draw the eye down from the sky to the river and finally it's base.

I'm with Clyde in regards to the arch - for me, it's a big distraction. The subject here is the light - it's wonderful!!

Best,
Jon

I live near the Arch. I have seen more Arch photos than you can imagine. This one is original and shows the Arch in context. The composition is more creative than people can imagine.

If this is highly altered in post-processing, you did a nice job of not over doing it.

If there is no HDR/psuedo HDR manipulation, than you caught the light at the perfect moment with perfect exposure.

Anyway, this is one of the best Arch photos I've seen.

It's an interesting photo in the context of the Arch. It's not one of the standard views of it and the emphasis seems to be more on the surroundings than the arch itself. (Personally I find this interesting as I had no idea what the surroudings were like and did not expect what one sees on the other side of the river.)

Is it a phenomenal picture? Not quite. I am not sure what the missing ingredient is here. It would be nice if the boat were not behind the Arch. But the light really is nice. And, as I say, it's interest is in contextualizing the Arch rather than focusing on it.

breathtaking shot

Muy bonita,me encanta la foto.Todo encaja .Saludos.

Very beautiful picture. I love the color, contrast, lighting, and I especially love the mountains in the distance.

has got nice , warm colors
but the composition is broken
it just don't work here

Is this in Arches National Park? Great image, a tad (just a tad) underexposed perhaps? Everything else is spot on.

Cool!

Thanks.
I appreciate the comments.
I have to give credit to my 3 1/2 year old son for his cake decorating skills. :)

Even when you're gone, your pretty pictures are featured :o)

Thanks!
(now I will go back into hiding.) :)

i would eat this picture :)

This is an epic shot. I might prefer more contrast or maybe just a little darker.

Great picture. Deserved feature!

Thanks!