suggestions for a drab photo?

[fidlet]

I'm trying to improve at portraits. I like the composition of this photo I took, but something about just seems "blah", drab, and flat. Any suggestions for how I could have taken this photo differently, or post-production suggestions for livening it up?

Camera: Nikon D3000
Exposure: 0.002 sec (1/500)
Aperture: f/4.5
Focal Length: 30 mm
ISO Speed: 180
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Off, Did not fire

Seriously, more Paul on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

[aliceinlove]

Maybe black and white?Its a great photo though.

[Benji]

I suggest getting the image correct when you make the capture and using Photoshop to enhance it. I have yet to see an image that was "fixed" in Photoshop that looks as good as one captured properly in the first place.

OK, now to the critique. Lots going on here. It is underexposed. Underexposed skin looks sickly and lacks vibrance and good color. He has raccoon eyes from the overhead light. Side light is nearly always best. You shot up his nostrils which is not exactly the best camera angle. This is a crotch shot. Crotch shots are in poor taste. His white lags are distracting. Long pants usually look best. His expression is bland. You lopped off his right arm at the wrist, which is a major no no. His hand looks strange up beside his face, kinda like he is getting ready to pick his nose with his little finger. Blah background, blah clothing equals blah image.

Sorry to be so mean but this is what I see.

Benji

[fidlet]

I didn't recognize that I had made all of those mistakes...but I suppose those are the pitfalls of being an amateur. I appreciate the brutal honesty!

[LeeR]

I agree with Benji that when it comes to getting a great portrait there is nothing better than getting it right in the camera. However, I also frequently try to salvage images I think have a bit of potential. I ran your image through PS trying a few new techniques I have been working with. I wanted to see if I could do something that would complement the funky pose of your subject. Did I make an improvement? I'll let you be the judge. All I can say for sure is that there may be some hope for this image if you find the right set of tools.

[fidlet]

When I try to view the picture in flickr, it tells me that the photo is private, so I can only see the thumbnail...but from what I can tell that looks very cool! It completely fits the mood of the photo. Can you briefly tell me how you did it?

[SusanH1970]

Nice edit, Lee!

I also just want to say I appreciate your taking the time to help a member out rather than just saying the photo sucks. Perfect example of being able to salvage something that may not be up to certain others' standards.

[fidlet]

Thank you for taking the time to show what can be done with the photo -- I very much appreciate it!

And I apologize if my replies are a bit delayed -- I guess as a new member, my replies are being moderated.

[SusanH1970]

No apologies necessary. Keep posting!

I really like the expression on his face. I do think it's an interesting photo. Like I said earlier, I think Lee did a great job on his edit.

Keep shooting!

[fidlet]

That's strange -- I did reply previously, but my comments were never approved.

I'll quickly rewrite what I said earlier: Benji: Thank you for the brutal honesty. As an amateur, I don't notice all of those things as I'm taking the photo.

Lee: I LOVE what you did with the photo -- It completely captures the mood. Can you briefly tell me how you did that in Photoshop. I'm curious. :-)