Freaky Deeky

Tell me I'm not the only one a little freaked out by this image? I found this while working on some product photography for my client.

Look at it. First the nurse has this look on her face like she's about to eat the poor child. Either that or she's sharing a knowing look with the kid, "Aren't you so cuuuute......I just ate your mom.... poopy shmoopy!"

Then the dang baby's head is HUUUUGE! That's a little bigger then normal isn't it? YIKES. That sucker's head is a freakin' third of his body. He reminds me of that big-headed mouse on that old cartoon Animaniacs....Pinky and the Brain.

I took some indoor shots last night at a friend's party. I'm depressed. I suck at it. A good half of them were blurry. The sad part is that I know why too....

1. I hate standing up and calling attention to myself as a photographer. I hate it when people notice I'm taking a picture, I can't explain why. Perhaps because I like candid shots and as soon as people know you're taking their photo they either ham it up, hide, or freeze. I've heard from other photographers they used to feel the same way until they just got used to the feeling and ignored it.
2. I'm having trouble with low-light indoor photography. It's a little related to my first problem because in low light conditions my DSLR camera strobes a light to attain focus. It's a bit of an irritating effect for my subjects because it's flashing epileptic inducing lights in their eyes every few seconds as it tries to focus. I think the only way around this is for me to learn how to use ISO settings and/or manual focus so I can leave the flash OFF and still get my clear shots.
   
3. I don't have enough patience yet. A good photo involves careful and patient timing. Good focus, good composition. I realize I haven't the patience yet. Sometimes I would hit the shutter and then leave, only to hear my shutter finally release 2 seconds later because of a long exposure. GOD I hate that.
   

Sigh. I gotta practice. I'll have what little shots of the party up soon.