The Drinking Fountain

[Risacher]

My children drinking at the water fountain. I think it's a descent snapshot, but I'd like it to be more spectacular. Any ideas what I could have done differently? More contrast maybe (how is that even attained?) , less depth of field might have been better.

Thanks for looking.

[Lorey]

When I look at photographs I generally look at what it is a photo OF. WHAT was photographed, not how. Any enhancement of contrast, toning, great DOF and the likes or vivid, balanced and complimentary colors are just added eye candy to me and not a necessity for a great photograph. What you have here is an awesome photo OF your children sharing a moment together with expression and mood that you, and they, will love to look back on when they are grown with children of their own. To me that is pretty spectacular. And I think you and they will think it's a pretty spectacular photo at that time also.

Thanks for sharing.

this is IMO only.

[Runmonty]

More contrast maybe (how is that even attained?) , less depth of field might have been better.]

It is a nice shot and Lorey makes some good points, and I largely agree with him.

One thing that can make quite a difference is getting down to the same level as the kids, rather than looking down at them. Obviously if we could see a little more of girls face (on the left) it would be a little more engaging too.

You have already identified contrast and depth of field, and yes they could potentially improve the shot. Maybe a little dodging and burning in the editing could help a bit too.

You have asked about how to increase contrast. May I ask what editing software are you using?

[Risacher]

Excellent points, thank you! I just realized this should probably go in the critique section, sorry about that. About the contrast I was thinking more at the time the photo was taken, because generally when I boost the contrast in post, I tend not to like the results, but then again I'm not particularly post processing literate yet, so I'm just using Canon's Digital Photo Professional, and not even pushing the limits of it's functionality.

I think I'll look into dodge an burn a bit, it's certainly something that's always intrigued me, more in film than digital I'll admit, but who knows why?

[Runmonty]

The only way I know of to boost contrast during shooting is by having harsher light.

I understand your issues with using the "contrast" slider. I don't use it much either, but I do tend to play with the black and white points (levels) to ensure I have strong blacks and white whites (especially with B & W). It has been a while since I have used DPP, but I think there would be a control or slider for this.

[Marko]

Good replies thus far - I just wanted to add (much like Lorey) that you are starting off with a strong image that captures a nice moment.

[Iguanasan]

Me too!!

Most people don't know when to click the shutter... you totally got that. Get down on eye level with your subjects and get to know your editing tools a little better. That's going to take this shot up a notch.

[Risacher]

Great stuff thank you everyone! next time we're at the park I'll try to get down lower. These moments are so fleeting, but I think it's possible for a similar scene to happen again.