It's difficult to objectively judge family photos, so I offer this to a hopefully more impartial audience:



Constructive C&C appreciated...

First of all Jonathan, congratulations! And hope mother and child are well. The pic seems to confirm it. My only criticism is that it seems very contrasty. Given the subject matter, I would have softened it a bit.

Jonathan,
It seems to me a shot which expresses an unusual degree of peacefulness, for both mother and child. Are you trying to say that, despite all the bawling and interrupted sleep, there are occasionally periods of blissful peace? Is your wife closing her eyes in sympathy? At last I've got some peace!

I know it can be a problem in general when one is very emotionally attached to something which an impartial photograph tries to depict. The sight of the your own creation can produce all sorts of emotional responses which may not always come across to the viewer.

If depiction of gentle, peaceful repose was your intention, you have succeeded.

Oh! Forgot to mention. I also like the shot. .

Nice portrait. Since you asked, I'd try to remove some of that shadow behind the head. That's just me - others may think it adds to the mood.

It's actually the back of the recliner she is sitting in, not a shadow.

Jonathan, That's a truly beautiful photograph. Don't change it. Yes, it may have a bit more contrast than the usual mother-child picture, but the extra contrast models the baby's face in a way I wouldn't change. Great shot.

I agree. It draws me right to the baby's face. Very nice!