emotionless?

[lovelikeuveneverbeenhurt]

I am a newbie to say the least. I have a Nikon D3000 with a flash that I am still learning how to use. I guess maybe I think the picture looks emotionless and flat. It's missing something to make it wow I just dont know what it is... any suggestions on lighting, contrast and converting to b&w would be great

Exif:Nikon D3000, aperature f/3.8, focal length 20mm, iso 320, no flash. The little bit of lighting that is there is from a desk lamp (ghetto i know) that was positioned on the right side of the photo lower than the face.

If you want to see more of my photos to help in giving advice :
http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackandwhitestripes/

[aribabybug]

I don't think it's emotionless. The face is a little featureless though (the nose and lips blend in with the rest of the face unless you're looking really hard).

[LeeR]

You have at least avoided one beginner mistake by creating an image that is simple. Most people start by including way too much in their images, but you have this down to very little. The question, then, is did you reduce it a bit too much, and I think the answer is yes. One of the keys to great images is to pare everything down to the barest essentials... but no further.

[lovelikeuveneverbeenhurt]

Thank you both for your input. I know there isn't anything going on in the picture but to be honest when I took it I felt very empty and maybe that's what I was trying to get across. Since it's a little late to "add" to the picture I adjusted some stuff to make my lips and nose a little bit more noticeable... let me know if it's an improvement or a step back.

[aribabybug]

I like the edit. Our eyes are still drawn to the eye, which I think is the goal, but there's more detail in the rest of the picture as well. Nicely done.

[lovelikeuveneverbeenhurt]

Originally Posted by aribabybug

I like the edit. Our eyes are still drawn to the eye, which I think is the goal, but there's more detail in the rest of the picture as well. Nicely done.

Thank you I like that better as well, it almost doesnt look as flat maybe?

[daddyoproductions]

I like the edit, too. The harsh shadow of her hair is unfortunate...love her eyes, well, eye though!

~C