What's the Point?

 When you look at this image, it's hard to imagine it began as....

  

.....the picture with the dark, harsh background.  It's a matter of personal taste, but this baby's family wanted a softer, high key look.  I agree.

Your eye is always drawn to the area of greatest contrast in a photograph. In the case of this "before" your eye is drawn to the contrast between the dark background and the vintage christening gown.  It is a beautiful gown, but if this were your little 4 month old, what would you like to be the focal point of the photograph?

The antique gown, or the baby's face?

My vote:  Julia's sparkling eyes and adorable baby face.