My first shot for review

I'd like to add a quick preface that I didn't use any techniques (not like I knowingly do ) in my shot. It was purely a regular old manual shot that just looked like a great opportunity to take one. Through Photoshop, I really wanted my daughter's face to stand out as the target, though I'm wondering in that shadows should be improved a bit more (perhaps even lighten up the shadows on my daughter's face). I'd love to know what you all think could be an improvement.

Looks like your meter was in matrix mode, so it exposed for the larger area, leaving your daughter's face and foreground too dark. Try the same shot but change to spot metering, and focus on her face...

Crop. Crop in on her face in portrait orientation but leave her looking into the left side of the frame. Cropping in gets rid of all the other objects in the image that grabs your attention away from her. I sorta like the light falling on her the way it is. Love the catch lights in her eyes.

I like it. Lots of potential, and it shows you have a good idea of what you are aiming for. You could add a reflector on the near side, fairly close to her, just out of camera view, to reflect a little light back to fill the dark shadows somewhat - it can make a big difference. Anything really, but the craft stores have inexpensive white foam boards, in many sizes, but like 2x3 feet maybe, a couple of dollars maybe? These are stiff, won't bend over, you might stand one up in a straight back or folding chair, or tape it to something, and works great.

Thanks for the insight all! Great catch @FredKingston. I did have my meter in matrix mode. Makes sense also why the light from the window was very overpowering (I had to tone down the whites to the minimum just to get the window drapes visible). I'll have to remember spot metering for next time.

I have to admit that this was a very lucky shot. Pretty sure I wouldn't be able to replicate this shot too soon. At least, not in her current 2.75 year old state.

If you can get your daughter on the couch, you can get an even better shot with the above suggestions. Take you time and take lots of photos.

I'll just add that if you decide you want to lighten the shadows on her face it would be easy to do in Camera RAW/Photoshop using the Adjustment Brush.

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