Oftentimes when I go to shoot flowers I take a black muslin cloth stretched over cardboard to place behind the flowers as this eliminates the background busyness. This is how I got the black background in this photograph.
Love it. Sassy and shy are a nice combo for the viewer. Dark background yes, but your tones are wonderful showing detail in the white, exposure is spot on, great focus...next time you do a portrait like this try not to amputate digits as you have for the shy girl (it's minor really and we do get caught up in the emotive aspect of your image). Nicely framed with good breathing space all around. I like the natural authentic feel to your post....the girls are comfortable with the photographer and there is good communication between you and them and therefore us viewers.
I love this shot. I didn't want to say anything while the contest was going, but I almost feel like I've watched them grow up. :-)
Lady bug, lady bug created by Zizounai
Ladybug, ladybug, fly away home, Your house in on fire and your children are gone, All except one and that's little Ann, For she crept under the frying pan...
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Good luck! 👇