Ah, good point. I REALLY debated putting this shot in at all BUT I love how these two are so dramatic about the single candle. It's not high art and certainly not a clean shot like many of these artistic shots preceding mine but I was thinking about Life...and those slice of life moments. Do messy chaotic slice of life kids pics like this have value or is this kind of shot best kept for aunties? It's an honest question and I hope to get some feedback on the matter.
I do have some pics from Spain where I found myself stalking old people (quite innocently) so I'll have some for contrast later.

Well, everyday is a birthday for someone so I think it's relevant for sure.

And as for "messy, chaotic photographs", I think all of these themes are open to interpretation both from a technical and a conceptual standpoint. Obviously, there are professionals on here who will be very technical and critical when rating and commenting. For me, that's part of the learning process. On the other hand, I think everyone should be able to participate and submit whatever they feel is relevant. And in perfect world, there would be an even balance of constructive criticism and encouragement for everyone who posts. I know that doesn't answer your question directly but I've thought a lot about it so I just thought I'd share.

Oh...and stalking old people? hee hee...that's bound to produce some good photos : )

Thanks for the comments! And I do agree, learning is why I am here and this is absolutely raising the critical eye I am using to evaluate my work so I hope you all can tolerate my development. I'm feeling more inspired and motivated than intimidated but do see how very much I have to learn.
As for the photo, this is her brother's cake for his 1st birthday. This is my niece. They had an army theme for his birthday so my husband dressed as an eco-terrorists and I came as a peace activist. I hated to protest a one year old's birthday party but...
Don't worry, I will spare you those photos...I do know there are limits to how many family shots everyone is going to want to see!
Yeah, flipthom, I had to keep reminding myself, I KNOW these faces are amazing, but people are not props! Oh the shots I had to pass up...there is only so ugly this American can allow herself to be...it's hard not to be a rabid photographer once you get to clicking...

Actually, flipthom, I should say, my niece could have wanted an army cake, too! Her dad is a cop and they play very interesting games. They were using army men to build a construction site (playing in the dirt in their yard) and my brother made the army men picket her for hiring non-union employees! And, of course, later he did have a tea party with her, instructing her in how to raise her pinky to properly sip from her cup. He's a colorful dad.

LOL, Amen to that!

LOL, Amen to that!