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.

Little guy in a BIG place, love it. Be sure to get him some sunscreen next time... There seems to be some pattern/noise in the sky? Also, the lens distortion is quite noticeable on the horizon. If you use Photoshop, there is a filter that does a pretty good job of correcting this.

That pattern noise is only in this resized copy not in the original which came off of a negative. And I don't think sunscreen will be something I can control anymore......he just started university this year.

My wife would disagree, ours returns as a junior this year(3rd year). She still buys him stuff like that and socks too...

this totally rocks!
only thing i can find to criticize would be the quality of the scan...

this photo is great! love the mood you've captured in this photo, I can't add other criticism that hasn't already been made!

@diezel99, did you notice the topic?? "Abstract Objects" I understand you comment, but for this topic, I think what you describe as not liking is exactly what the topic intended.

I really like this one, Beamer. The whispy nature just adds to the flow of the colors. And I agree that it is better on your website with the dark gray background. (I might also add, it's a pretty creative use for "a bunch of cables in the equipment room of a computer graphics studio.")

Interesting, painting, can see it on my wall.

Wonderful abstract Beamer. Abstract is your interpretation of the subject, not someone elses. Nice capture!

Clyde,

This works for me - strong composition and very nice work overall!

Thanks for sharing these two examples of some of your abstract work; a good encouragement for me.

I like it. Whether it is out of focus or something is giving a blurry edge I think it conveys a nice soft & sensual image. Very well done.

nice use of lighting
good tones

www.kombizz.photopoints.com

Except for blur and the crop, everything is nice, especially the reflected light on the front body. This kinda shots require a perfect focus, because the shadows which will be blurry because of the length between the object and the item which makes the shadow. If you leave the object behind the shadows blurry, it won't look good. I don't know if it is your style, but why you have cropped from the jaw? Anyway, this is a good shot, don't get me wrong :)

I love it. Very clever. I think that the focus is perfect.

Such a great use of shadows and light. Well done photo!

Very strong image. Almost belongs under the topic "a shot with a story" and I'm sure its a sad story. The lighting for me, is perfect. I love it.

A very powerful and moving image.......it tells a story.

Great composition...
Love the wok on lights !
Very powerful !

excellent composition, tones, lighting and subject..

I like the lines in this picture..

what's the story behind the image?

Like others already mentioned, a crop in the top, or bottom but..... this scene is so beautiful....

Sorry, I wasn't clear enough in my statement regarding the composite ~ only because it is such a wonderful once in a lifetime shot someone could. think it was a composite. I didn't mean to imply that I thought it was! :)

I myself captured some lightening this summer, tho not nearly as dramatic or beautiful; but a cool thing anyway.

If you're interested, you can see it here:
visualpeace.blogspot.com/2007/10/not-best-picture-...

Lightning photos are my favorite. I also try to capture it but have yet to be successful. I love the picture and hopefully one day I will submit one as great as yours.

It's strange way of thinking but the fact that this image could easily be a composite makes it less important than it should be. Eventhough it real and what you capture is very unique we have seen it so many times in fake images and thus a little bit of magic and power is lost.
Of course as everybody else I think it's a brilliant shot anyway

Great shot. Timing IS everything. Lonely country feel, awesome.

amazing shot,not much critique possible,
but if i were nitpicking,i'd wonder what this shot would look like if it were wider.

lots of detail, great framing of field and sky, nice sight lines - well done

Normally I would think the tone mapping (i presume?) was a bit too much, but with this subject I think it works really well..

Love the view and angle here..

Wonderful angle. I agree with Brandon that it might be a little too over-processed, or at least looks like it. Also, it's a bit too much of the same grey for me. That said, it still is a striking photo.

Very cool shot, nice clearity and colour. Good DOF.

Through its unreality, this shot conveys something of the magic of the game of baseball - very special image!

Best,
Jon

Many thanks for the words folks. I'll keep them in mind for my shoot :) cheers!

Cool image....nicely done.

Hehe, cool shot, good realase

Good composition. But for me I would prefer a little more light on the subject.

Is he about to be beamed up!

Nice shot but the floor is not cogent with the rest of the frame. Something less striking and less of it might be better.

Alittle to oversaturated color. you start to see artifacts.
Would make a great painting.
What kind of camera did you shoot this with?

WOW what awesome colour and contrast. Nice job.

Gorgeous!

it's almost as if the sun was leaving a trial of fire behind it...amazing photo!

Just an amazing Photo Jen !! Keep the shutter clicken :)

Andy

Great angle! Where was this taken?

Gracias Dennis.
Esta fotografía está hecha en Salamanca (Spain). Es el Río Duero en el paraje que se conoce como "Arribes del Duero". Si quieres ver más imágenes de esta zona, puedes visitar mi página:
www.niguez.com/gallery2/main.php/v/arribes/

Amazing landscape, the angle works excellent for this view.

Very cool shot, nice clearity but the colours could be more vibrant. Not sure I like the bright reflection in the water.

Es un lugar impresionante. A mi me encanta visitarlo y de la última vez hace ya demasiado tiempo (y tengo muy pocas fotos).