New Photographer. Seeking critique.

[Toph112]

Hello All,

I posted a similar picture from this "series" in the BW forum as well. But this is a different shot and in color. I am new to photography, about 7 months, and would appreciate your insight and critique on how to become better!

The story behind this picture was my daughter, who was home and not feeling well, dressed up in her dance outfit and asked to have a photo shoot! So, this was very impromptu and informal. Her 2-year old brother was "helping" and kept moving my curtains, so this ended up being the best one of the 3 best shots due to the lighting constantly changing on me and bro/sis spats. In short, t

his was a candid of her being sad bc she was sick but wanting to dance.

 

[LatentTom]

I like this photo, exposure is nice but focus point seems to be on her arms not her eyes.

 

[Rick50]

Yes, better than B&W one but as Tom mentioned the arm is in focus but not the face. Maybe use manual focus or increase depth of field by using a smaller aperture. The arm is also brighter so that's 2 strikes. The eye will go to the area in focus as well as the brightest part of photo.