It's a really interesting scene, Doro. About the animals, I agree with wabe... One other thing : you should soften the shadows 'cause it creates a kind of confusion on the baby and the background... Other suggestions : You should play more with light and darkness for having a intimacy mood. I think about the Caravage's paintings : one bright light close to principal characters that makes their faces bright. The less important characters are, the less their faces are enlightened. And the background is usually darkened and indistinct. Often in classic paintings, the source of light is jesus himself, or a candle near his hand. It gives to the scene some interesting lighting effects with that light from below... My two cents thoughts... ;-) Argentium Thri'ile