Silent Thoughts of my teenager

[chaotic_silence]

My early attempts at capturing good photos, any critique will be used. Thanks in advance.

Exif data
Camera Fujifilm FinePix J10
Exposure 0.017 sec (1/60)
Aperture f/2.8
Focal Length 6.2 mm
ISO Speed 200
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash Auto, Fired
Orientation Horizontal (normal)
X-Resolution 72 dpi
Y-Resolution 72 dpi
Software Digital Camera FinePix J10 Ver1.00
Date and Time (Modified) 2010:06:11 19:15:17

here is the flickr link if you would like to see more EXIF DATA:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stephan...er/5305450243/

[Surprised]

Hello. I'm really sorry, but this pic doesn't do much for me. I think there are three reasons for this:
1 It seems to be out of focus (has the auto-focus gone for the pattern on his tee-shirt rather than his face?);
2 The background and the angle it's taken at seem a little odd -- the tarmac crack coming out of his head is slightly off-putting; and
3 The composition is, if I may say so, rather mundane -- the subject is in the centre of the picture (the "rule of thirds" would suggest it would be better placed off-centre).

Just my 2p-worth; this photo may hit the spot for other reviewers but I am afraid it doesn't for me. Sorry about that.

[chaotic_silence]

Originally Posted by Surprised

Hello. I'm really sorry, but this pic doesn't do much for me. I think there are three reasons for this:
1 It seems to be out of focus (has the auto-focus gone for the pattern on his tee-shirt rather than his face?);
2 The background and the angle it's taken at seem a little odd -- the tarmac crack coming out of his head is slightly off-putting; and
3 The composition is, if I may say so, rather mundane -- the subject is in the centre of the picture (the "rule of thirds" would suggest it would be better placed off-centre).

Just my 2p-worth; this photo may hit the spot for other reviewers but I am afraid it doesn't for me. Sorry about that.

Hello, Surprised, Thanks for your input. I am here to learn what i have done wrong and/or right. I will keep these points in mind next time I am photographing. And no need to apologize, I know that every photo doesn't 'hit the spot' for everyone, each individual has their own tastes. And again I appreciate you taking the time to critique my photo. Hope you have a Prosperous New Year!

[Surprised]

Thank you for your courtesy -- and good luck for your future pictures!

[royey123]

Try focusing on his eye(s) and not so much the shirt. Maybe too if he wasn't looking directly at the camera in this one is may be more touching. Could use some brighter lights so it isn't so flat and some contrasting work.

Download google's picassa - its a free photo editing software and it could work wonders for this photo.

[royey123]

Hope you don't mind my quick edit.
Added a vignette
adjusted the colors
adjusted saturation/temperature
got rid of the crack coming out of his head
slight blemish removal

[royey123]

[chaotic_silence]

Originally Posted by royey123

Hope you don't mind my quick edit.
Added a vignette
adjusted the colors
adjusted saturation/temperature
got rid of the crack coming out of his head
slight blemish removal

Royey, thank you for your input, actually at that time I didn't know anything about changing the settings on a camera, I had it set to auto and the lighting was natural outdoor lighting nothing extra. I love what you did with the edit. I am taking notes and reading the site as well.