I have no idea

[aramil]

This is more of a question as to why this happened. I took this shot on Friday morning. It was quite Sunny, and the location of the shot was not exactly in full shadow. But it really looks like that the image was taken with a black bakground.
Any ideas? How else can I make this picture pop? Is the crop appropriate?

The exif data is here:
Camera: Nikon D40
Exposure: 0.002 sec (1/500)
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 70 mm
ISO Speed: 400
Exposure Bias: -1/3 EV

[jiminyClickit]

aramil,

Your EXIF says your saturation was set to High. That plus ISO 400, 500th of a second shutter speed, short distance from subject, and "not exactly in full shadow" may have just given your closeup no chance to lighten up. Interesting, but cropped very tight. Too close to the edges.

[aramil]

Thanks jiminyClickit.
That does solve this "mystery". Thanks to jumping up from a P&S to a DSLR, all these things are brand new to me.
Appreciate the critique too, it does help a lot.

[jiminyClickit]

aramil,

Practice and experience will be your best teachers, because your camera in front of your eyes seeing with your life experience, gives the world a unique look. So, while we may offer you suggestions on the camera and the arrangement of stuff in the image, it is your vision that ultimately makes it what it is. You will soon teach others with your experiences, too. Enjoy your vision, and if we can help with the other parts, we're here most of the time.