Back-flip into the Pool

[ericgarner118]

This is a candid photo that I took of my brother while we were having a family BBQ. I thought it was a pretty good shot. I did a little cropping to get it to fit the rule of 3rds a little better, and did a little color correction too. This was the first time using Photoshop Lightroom, but I like it. The biggest thing I was wondering is whether or not the clutter in the background distracts too much from the picture.

• Model = KODAK EASYSHARE C713 ZOOM DIGITAL CAMERA
• Exposure Time = 1/370"
• F Number = F2.7
• ISO Speed Ratings = 80
• Flash = Flash did not fire, auto mode

[Sistereinstein]

Nice work! I bet that was a lot of fun. Does your mother know that you all jump from the roof?

The biggest thing I was wondering is whether or not the clutter in the background distracts too much from the picture.

I would say yes, that those elements do distract, and I mean those things sitting along the fence. You kinda want those inflatables there. Right now I'm trying to see if there is a way of getting a similar shot in a different position so that the telephone pole is out of the scene - which I'm not sure if you can.
One trick you could try is the clone/heal tool to get rid of it. I find that if you have too many circles in an area it becomes obvious that you edited something out of the shot.

For gosh sakes, be careful!

[wal]

IMO.. the colors are too saturated and unreal.. nice capture.

[kristenh]

i like it, and while i agree that all the stuff is distracting, it gives a context, and you need some of that. it's not intended to be a portrait of a man who can fly, i'm assuming. at least he is backed only by sky- and what neat clouds you captured! if you are able,i'd probably clone out the pole and leave it at that. and i'd back down on the saturation slider- i think the colors are a little too much- looks unreal.

[SwissJon]

If his shorts had been any closer to his butt you'd have to post this in the "nudes" section

Yes, I find the clutter a bit distracting.. Especially the pole he appears to be about to impale himself on. It would have been better to have him, sky, horizon, trees, pool, and perhaps diving board.

I like the over saturation, but perhaps it makes your pool look a bit green. (or maybe it's just green! )

[ericgarner118]

Thanks for all the info guys. Before I posted the picture, I didn't even really notice the poll right underneath him. Now it sticks out at me like a sore thumb. Most of the tips that I get here in the critiques section is all stuff that I should know, but it really makes me step back and look at my photos better. It is also helping me with my composition when I'm initially taking the picture. (Which is really helpful considering I'm doing a good bit of film photography right now, also).