What would you do differently?

[AMOMENT]

These pics are definitely flawed. I don't totally hate them but wonder where/how/and what you would change about them. Sometimes I feel my pics are not as crisp and clear as they should be. I want them to look more "alive." Any suggestions? I will post 5 separately. Thanks!!

1.

 

[AMOMENT]

2.

 

[AMOMENT]

3.

 

[AMOMENT]

4.

 

[AMOMENT]

5.

 

[AMOMENT]

6.

 

[AMOMENT]

7.

 

[MissCream]

Why are you posting them like that? Put them all in the original post.

 

[ang1995]

A lot of these seem to be out of focus especially the second one.

 

[shootermcgavin]

I think the crispness you are looking for is done in post processing, these photos look in focus to me. Some arms chopped and the first one looks like direct sunlight a reflector would have helped the shadow over the eyes or a fill flash. I really would've loved to see 6 if you were down at her level, I lay down a lot when I take pictures of my nieces. Nice shots!

 

[AMOMENT]

Thanks!! I posted them like that because the last time I posted five and numbered them in one post, they were not all viewable. What would crisp them up in post process? I too thought they didn't look completely in focus. I believe I was using an autofocus but selecting my focal point out of one of my 11 auto focus points. I used a dynamic focal point/matrix metering. What exactly is a reflector? I was out with my family and decided to take pics. I don't have any equipment besides my lens. Is a reflector something I attach to my camera or would have to carry around and reposition from shot to shot? LOL...that would be interesting considering my 2 yr old moves every second. hahahaa. I have photoshop elements.
The first shot was done in bright day light. Actually all of them were except some in shade. Would you still use a fill flash? (that's basically my pop-up flash on my camera right?)

 

[KmH]

What would you do differently?

I would use the vertical, also called portrait, camera orientation much more for people shots.

 

[MattS2K]

I think the crispness you are looking for is done in post processing, these photos look in focus to me. Some arms chopped and the first one looks like direct sunlight a reflector would have helped the shadow over the eyes or a fill flash. I really would've loved to see 6 if you were down at her level, I lay down a lot when I take pictures of my nieces. Nice shots!

I agree. Number 2 looks to me as though the point of focus is not on her eyes, but the rest seem fine to me. Could you tell us what camera you are using, if you are shooting in raw and what post processing you have done on them.

Number 6 would have been better if you had been down at her level and perhaps shot in portrait to get her all in. You can see how much more of an impact the other shots have where you are much closer to being on the subjects eye level. These pictures are quite charming so hopefully with a few pointers you will be able to re-process them to give them the lift they deserve.

 

[AMOMENT]

Thanks! To be honest I am not doing much post processing. I recently got photoshop elements and do not know my way around it too thoroughly yet. Most of my photos have had the saturation and contrast slightly increased and eyes sharpened. That's it. Any suggestions and or directions about how to do more? I have a Nikon D3100 and was using my 50 mm f/1.4 lens. Also, in number5, I used the quick selection tool to select my youngest daughter (it outlines her but with flaw because you basically use your hand) and brightened just her so that she would "pop" a bit. Anyone know of some good photoshop elements tutorials? I've googled some. I'm still learning the layers concept. I get that a layer can be hidden and as you work your way up the layers line, it becomes progressive right?