Fall pictures of my kids

[BlissMan]

Fall is my favorite time of the year. I think I take more pictures Oct-Nov, then the rest of the year. Anyway, I have a few that I really like and I would like to share. Also, I would appreciate any C&C. Always trying to improve composition, lighting, editing, etc. Thanks!
1.

IMG_1026.jpg by BlissManPhoto, on Flickr
2.

Bradley & Sienna by BlissManPhoto, on Flickr
3.

Sienna Red Hat by BlissManPhoto, on Flickr
4.

Bradley Pumpkin Head by BlissManPhoto, on Flickr
5.

Bradley Mountain Biker by BlissManPhoto, on Flickr

 

[Bo4key]

I'm a big fan of the first shot, nice compostion and contrasting colors.

I don't care for the cropping in the second image and it seems a tad underexposed or flat.

In the third, I don't like the direct light that is washing out the tone on the face and you've cut the right hand off in the frame. The pose is nice but I would prefer if you were more at eye level.

The fourth just seems to be too harshly lit, like it was taken at midday. You've avoided the shadows or raccoon eyes on the face nicely but I don't care for the washed out areas. (edit: it disappeared?)

The least is a nice concept but I would prefer to see the eyes.

Cute kids!

 

[ronlane]

Were you using on camera flash in #3? I love the clothes and the smile, but like Bo4key mentioned the light seems to be washing out the skin tone. I would also crop out the table as well.

 

[The_Traveler]

You aren't looking at the picture.
Are bright areas pulling eyes away from the center of interest?
Is the subject's face duller than the areas around that?

Don't look at these as pictures of your own children.
Look at them as photographs. Lew Lorton Photography | Getting to a Final Image - some words on editing photos for a new photographer

 

[BlissMan]

Wow, Thanks for the input and suggestions. It’s so valuable to have honest feedback, your comments are motivating for continued improvement.

In picture 2 I did use the flash on camera pointed directly at the subject as it was outdoors in the dark. Maybe a diffuser of some sort would help in this instance?

I think in 3&4 I might have underexposed the face in an effort to soften the skin and reduce imperfections. Seems maybe I over did it?

I will utilize our suggestions for #2 and see if I can add more life in post. This was the best pose I could get from the 2 kids.

Finally, thanks Lew for taking the time to tell me and show me your impression. Again valuable information. The blog post was a good read and perfect for me where I'm at with photography and specifically editing.

 

[BlissMan]

Due to the consensus that the truck picture is the best and based on suggestions from Lew I went back and reedited #1. Unfortunately, I did not make a duplicate of the original. However, I do have a similar edit to the original. Opinions would be appreciated. Thanks!

Original:

Bradley Truck Driver by BlissManPhoto, on Flickr

Update:

IMG_1026.jpg by BlissManPhoto, on Flickr