This is a very interesting portrait. The hues and tones of the image are very good. The choice of subject matter is good. Your choice of composition may detract somewhat from the image. Since it is neither centered or uses the rule of thirds the image is not as compelling or interesting as it could be. By moving the subject down and to the left more, adding another third of negative black space above and to the right, it would have given the image a larger feel. Her body position is a bit awkward and the negative space would have told a story of being more alone. Perhaps that would have offset the awkward position of her body and hands.

Since her arms are more relaxed, but her legs are drawn up, we have a juxtapose in her mood. I like this shot as it has much potential and by adding more negative space or waiting until her body position was more congruous, it would have helped tell a better story visually.

Oh, I forgot to mention that her hair seems pretty unnatural. Is it stuck in the fold of the furniture? Not sure...

Sorry, but I keep looking this over. If you had rotated the image 90 degrees clockwise, it may appear that she is hanging from her hair and it would have matched her body position! Hum....

Thanks for the comments. Her hair just naturally hung like that. It threw me off also when I was reviewing the photos. Since she is so young, it was difficult for me to get her to relax & lay still. She was very anxious and not relaxed at all which is funny b/c she appears more content in the photo.

Nice Image......cute mona lisa smile. I agree about the hair.

Ah that explains why the image appears unnatural in her position. I'm not sure if this is someone you know well or if she was simply a 'subject.' A large part of this type of portraiture is engaging the person enough so that they feel comfortable with you and your lens.

Not to seem trite, but one of the main reasons masters like Annie Leibovitz, Jodi Cobb and Richard Avendon were able to capture such emotion was they engage the subject. That part is the most critical part of the image in my view.

Excellent technical picture,
everything seem perfect except for the shadow
under her rigth hand after more analysis
i found out to much noise, did you over do it with contrast,here again whithout knowledge of lens use
im left in the dark, your mastering of computer film development is obvious, but to give an honest appraisal i need vazaar to include in it rule
lens used

Not sure I understand what your saying or asking. The only thing I adjusted in post processing was the levels and that was only a slight change to accommodate for the red-push of my flash. I used a 50mm 1.8 set at 4.0. I captured it in NEF (RAW) at full resolution with no camera enhancements. Is that what you needed?

Mark, this is my oldest daughter and I understand and agree with what your saying about the comfort and ease of the subject during their time while being photographed. She is hyperactive and I was lucky in obtaining this brief moment in time when she was somewhat 'relaxed'. I've caught some sweet pictures of her when she's been in her own element, but I wanted more of family type portrait setting with a slight twist to have before she got much older. I'll have to try again soon and use some of the great suggestions everyone has provided. This has been what I was looking for.

Thanks,
Neuner

I still like this alot ... and I like the shadow being there.. in natural life we have shadows ..

she seems so calm .. I like this alot :)

Thanks for the information
in my book on a 5 level it merit 5 star.
its clear, details excellent you kept
a good angle to the model wich give great definition
on all part, now im sure that other ligthning source from any other angle would not haved help (it would have made it appear more flat),
as Lindy said shadows are part of our life and sometime they do improve the photo.Very good work.
Just hope you take some dynamic photo of your daugther in is hyperactive state you could have some exausting fun and good family photo for the future.

The hues and tones are very good. But lhe little girl dont seem very comfortable et the poistion of the body not really natural

i love the colors and the look, and as the reviewer before me mentioned, I noticed that the girl seems to me at least somewhat uncomfortable, or perhaps that is her expression?

I would have loved to have seen a cheeky smile, but I know what kids are like...

All the same, it's a nice picture, looks like it was fun!

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.