How high is too high?

[MyNameIsAubrey]

I have always loved high-contrast black and whites, and this was my first one to do myself. So, I was wondering, is the contrast too high?

Any comments and/or critque would be lovely.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/aubreys_photos/2133258981/" title="Elijah. by Aubrey., on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2287/2133258981_d1eaf9d8ef.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Elijah." /></a>

Camera: Canon PowerShot A520
Exposure: 0.002 sec (1/640)
Aperture: f/2.6
Focal Length: 5.8 mm
Exposure Bias: 0/3 EV
Flash: Flash did not fire

[mattdm]

In this case, my eye immediately jumps to the bright white face, and then jumps over to the medium-gray background at the top left. What if you just blacked that out entirely?

[crazzy88ss]

I think you did just fine. This shot really works well.

[peeperita]

good first attempt.....your subject's face has the best treatment in the frame.....it's not too blown out and all the detail seems to be there.....

i think your background could use a little work, especially in the upper left quadrant......consider bringing it down to a darker range....solid black might even work well.....

peeper