[HeidiKnight]

Hey Michelle,
I am wondering what camera you have? If you have a camera with Program (P) mode you might want to play with that just to get a feel for the settings the camera chooses in given light situations. Really look at what the camera is choosing. It might not make sense right away but as you read and learn it will start to come together. I remember thinking I would NEVER understand manual settings. It is still elusive sometimes.

For this picture I probably would have chosen a faster shutter speed since you had lots of light. I also might have positioned the baby farther from the light source if it was really, really bright. I like to keep my aperture pretty wide open with babies because I like that look (sharp where I focus, blurry behind and in front of my focus point). Or, you could set your camera on Aperture priority mode (A) and set it to a wide open (smaller) number - the camera will figure out the shutter speed for you. When setting your aperture, keep in mind that a smaller number = a bigger opening and vice versa (confusing at first but you'll get the hang of that).

Another thing I would try on a photo like this one is shooting from a different angle. Try laying down beside the baby and getting his/her face. I love putting babies on beds or tables for this reason - I can get my camera on their plane without laying down.

Anyway, I'm going to try to keep my answer to that for now. Let me know if you have more questions. I am learning too - we're just in different spots on the same road.

I'm sure others will have some tips for you too. Thanks for asking!