The close crop works well for me - shows off the intamacy of the moment.

Maybe its my monitor, but it appears a little dark of something.

A magnificent moment in time captured splendidly. I agree its a little dark, but I think it adds to the intimacy. How precious.

Unrelated sidenote: I noticed that in my browser at least (Firefox)the increase size and decrease size options in the bottom of the comment text area have opposing arrows. Increase is pointed downward and decrease, up. Just FYI.

To tell you the truth, I think that the composition is too tight. But it was a moment that speaks for itself and emotions, in this case, are more important than composition. :-)

Damn this is good...

This is dynamite. The pureness of this moment brings a lump to my throat. A little dark, and I'm not so sure your DoF is how you intended it be, but hey....what the heck do I know?

I think you may be too hard on yourself. As ROB noted, the close confines of the frame are intimate and warm.... lots of feeling. It reminds me of childhood and the feel of my dad's stubble when he hugged me. The contrast in skin tone are just an added bonus.

I agree with your comment on the composition but sometimes the subject is far more important.

I actually like the way this is lit. It allows, almost forces, the viewer to focus on the baby's face. Very nice moment, David.

You've caught an excellent moment here. Black and white works perfectly.

Touching... I'd really like it in sepia.

Really lovely picture

this is one of the sweetest photos I have ever seen! so emotional, expressive! great!

Wonderful comp, but would have liked a little more light on Dad's face - prob would have missed the moment if you'd arsed around with lighting though!

superbe travail sur la profondeur de champ même si ça n'aurait pas été mon choix. Très belle image d'amour paternel.

Haven't you thought 22 ...this is the 21st century!

:-) On an lighter note!! One of your commentors needs to get out a little more.

Just lovely... great framed.

Hmmm - looks bril on the laptop - think I have monitor issues :-(

I like it a lot. There is something in the Dad's face that invokes the feelings of tenderness, love, and joy that parents feel.

This has nothing to do with today's picture, but two nights ago here in South Carolina we had the most amazing sunset - just drop dead gorgeous. And my first thought was, "I wish Chromasia was here to capture this on film because it will never be this beautiful again."

1 word for me... Beautiful!

Thanks everyone, and my apologies for the racist comment that appeared earlier. I've now deleted it.