Portrait Critique Please...?

[Artograph]

:toast:

I was taking photos outdoors, when my daughter plopped down in front of me and started to pose!!! LOL!! Here is what I got.....the photo seems bland to me.....but what to do about it?? I tried contrast, and, umm oh crap, I forget what you call it....*sigh*. Any help?

http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/qq3/Kerrysphotos/100_9582Sidneylookingright-1.jpg

[PhotoJet]

I like the photo... do you have any way to selectively lighten the background. I think if you could lighten the left (as you look at it) so it's tonally about the same as the lower left, it may look different. I think the darkness of that corner is pulling you way from that little precious bundle! ;)
I think the only other option would be to crop the left side... not bad, but I really like your composition as it stands.

[Aggie]

since more than likely this is being digitally worked, add some catch lights in her eyes. Without them people do like bland.

[Artograph]

I changed it to b and w, and added "lights" to the eyes (with photobucket :scratch:...), and I think I'm on the right track now...? Only, I'm not sure it looks very "real"!??! LOL!!

http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/qq3/Kerrysphotos/100_9582Sidneylookingright-1-2-1-3.jpg

[PhotoJet]

Yeah, I think it looks real enough! ;)

[Artograph]

He heee!! Thanks Jeanette!!

:O)

[Terri]

That's a big improvement. :)

[Artograph]

Thanks Terri!

:O)

[Dagwood56]

I love the edit. Very nice.

[Artograph]

Thanks Carol!!!

:O)

[johngpt]

Nice Arto. Much greater range.