Penguins visit a Kid Exhibit

[Roamer]

The only thing I do like about this pic is how it looks like the penguins are viewing an exhibit of a kid rather than the other way around (and the kid looks about as happy about it as most caged creatures). This was shot at the Ripley's Aquarium in Gatlinburg, TN, where there's a tube for kids to climb through and pop their heads up into the penguin exhibit. (BTW, this is my son - I'm not posting random pictures of strange kids on the internet)

I don't expect that I'll be going back anytime soon, but what should I have done differently to make this really pop?

penguins visit kid exhibit by Apache Roamer, on Flickr

Camera Nikon D40
Exposure 0.02 sec (1/50)
Aperture f/5.6
Focal Length 55 mm
Focal Length 55.0 mm
ISO Speed 1600
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash No Flash

[Dodge]

Hi Roamer,

Very cool concept indeed. I'm not sure what you could do differently as it's really one of those situational pics. Ya can only take advantage of what's going on at the time.

If anything, I'd suggest cropping just to the right of the penguin closest to your son on the rh side, (the one outside the tube) eliminating the two that are uninterested, and maybe a bit off the bottom to balance that cropping. Also straighten slightly so the tube is perfectly vertical with the left side of the pic.

Just little tweaks really, but I think they may add some impact by removing some small distractions and making the 'kid in the jar' even more of a focal point for both us and the penguins.

[Roamer]

Thanks...I'll give it a try.

[Roamer]

Like this?

penguins visit kid exhibit 2 by Apache Roamer, on Flickr

[Dodge]

Yep, I think that now makes a great, fun composition !

What really matters though is do you like it better? For me, on this occasion, by taking out the irrelevant stuff and tidying up a little it strengthens the original concept of the penguins viewing your son rather than vice-versa. It also brings the detail in closer giving a more intimate feel, on this occasion, a Penguins eye view

Nice one.