Christmas Card Help

[h.r.ford]

Since my son has been born I always take a pic and use that as our Christmas card. Well this year I'm really into the whole photog thing and am trying to make it awesome. I am not succeeding. I think lighting is the issue but I'm hoping you all can take a look at what are the 2 best (if you can believe that) and give me somewhere to go because I am at a loss!!

Thanks in advance.

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/749/IMG_3879-a.jpg

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/749/IMG_3899-a.jpg

[oldgit]

I'm not good at indoor lighting, but I see that you are using a direct flash. :nono:
This is why you are burning out and losing the hair. If you can use a bounce flash. It'll help a bit. However you'll get better results if you have more light sources. Perhaps only using the flash as fill in to stop shadowing.

You seem to have a theme of Tree and Sprog. Nice idea. However I subscribe to the KISS principle. So I'm forced to say that for an xmas card the composition/framing seems a bit off ?...? (maybe I'm warbling)
Idea: Unless you are desparate for a face shot try just his hand and a bauble. :shrug:

[h.r.ford]

I was using onboard flash but with a diffuser (read sock) and at a 45 degree angle.... the really harsh light in number 2 comes from a light with some tinfoil around it trying to direct the light... did it a bit too well.

[oldgit]

I had this idea.... needs more work, but it just might....

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/825/IMG_3899-idea.jpg

[h.r.ford]

Now that is just scary. Very cool but needs some use of PS which I am seriously lacking. But great idea. I may have him recreate it next weekend.