child's exploration

[msjfinn23]

I am brand new to photography and would like some tips. I took this photo using my nikon D3000, I enhanced the color and would like some critique.

[MrJones]

please provide EXIF data, it would make it a lot easier to help you.
first thing I've noticed is the lack of focus on the kid.
the focus landed on the plants in front of him, which kind of ruins this photo.
plus, you've got those branches right in front of his face, blocking the view, taking him a bit to the left between the two plants would have solved that out.

[msjfinn23]

Originally Posted by MrJones

please provide EXIF data, it would make it a lot easier to help you.
first thing I've noticed is the lack of focus on the kid.
the focus landed on the plants in front of him, which kind of ruins this photo.
plus, you've got those branches right in front of his face, blocking the view, taking him a bit to the left between the two plants would have solved that out.

EXIF data
Nikon-D3000
Focal Length-55.0 mm
exposure-1.125s
aperture-f5.6
iso-100

[Rpulliam]

Originally Posted by MrJones

please provide EXIF data, it would make it a lot easier to help you.
first thing I've noticed is the lack of focus on the kid.
the focus landed on the plants in front of him, which kind of ruins this photo.
plus, you've got those branches right in front of his face, blocking the view, taking him a bit to the left between the two plants would have solved that out.

I agree, if you move the child over about a foot to the right you would not have the branches in front of his face, but would still have the effect of being behind the plants. This may also help with focusing on the childs face better. It seems your auto focus picked up on the stems in front of his face, making the actual face out of focus.

[NgaiHill]

Just want to ask, why did you take this photo? I mean was it just a shot that you saw (opportunistic) or did you plan to take the childs photo in this place?
If it was a grab shot then just getting in closer with the zoom might've helped although that would still have left those plants in front of his face.
If it was a planned shot then some things to consider would be;
as stated above, move him to his right to avoid having parts of the plant in his way. That yellow plant in the foreground is an interesting colour and would contrast well with the colour of his clothing. I would move him all the way around to the left of that bush. Also I find that the background, although out of focus (which is a good thing) is still too busy. There appears to be a large rock in the background, what if you stood on that and shot looking down on him? That would get you closer to your subject and remove any distracting features from the background. Be careful if it is a bright day though as he will squint as he looks up.
He appears to be happy to be having his photo taken - a cooperative child is a thing not to be undervalued! Are you able to get back to that spot again, it looks like it would have a lot of potential.
Cheers
Lisa