Help With This Photo!

[Momma Crystal]

I placed this photo for critique elsewhere and what I got wasn't very helpful. I was told the skin tones are great as are the eyes.... and "something is just off." But no one could tell me what was off!

Help me please! I'd be grateful!

Thank you!

Exif
SS 250
f/16
ISO 250
Fill Flash used

[dave.turley]

Before anyone else says it...It's too big,,lol...Other than that, it's a great shot! My untrained eye sees nothing wrong. But what do I know huh?
Dave

[autofocus]

Crystal, I can't see your entire question...it's being partially blocked by a drop down ad. It's happening because your photo upload is set too large, and not to medium. Maybe try to resubmit your question...

Vince

[Momma Crystal]

I'm sorry! I snagged the wrong one off of photobucket. I do believe this is better!

[autofocus]

Originally Posted by Momma Crystal

I'm sorry! I snagged the wrong one off of photobucket. I do believe this is better!

Yes, now I can read your entire post. The only thing that might bother you, or some people about the photo is the use of fill flash and it's rather flat lighting. However, there are times that you just do not have a choice...it's either use it, or wind up with a dark shot. I, for one, would rather get the shot than to lose the opportunity. BTW, it's a very nice shot and I can't see anything else to be overly critical about.

[CiiVii]

I think it's beautiful. It MAYBE feels too close for a kid portrait, but that showcases those gorgeous eyes!

[cbrf4ivy]

I think that the flash may be a bit much and that the shadows on and around the face are accentuated. BUT, it's still a great shot.
I personally like that you got as close as you did!

[kencaleno]

shadow under peak of cap and under chin,would have been eliminated had a reflector been used, and post processing is needed to exchange the "pin lights" in the eyes for what look like soft box reflections-See Image below:

[iboy]

I can't see the original photo posts, only kencaleno's reply, but I assume the photo is the same.
I agree with the comments about the shadows, but a suitable reflector isn't always handy. The shot looks a little plastic to me - it may be the eyes, they look unnatural in this light. Not sure if it is postprocessing or the fill flash or just his natural eyes.

[archersdad]

The light is a bit too flat for my tastes. There is not enough contrast in the face to clearly define the features.