Too much of a good thing?

[faithhelm]

Exposure 0.005 sec (1/200)
Aperture f/1.8
Focal Length 50 mm
ISO Speed 100
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash On, Fired


I always seem to be attracted to overexposed pictures. Have I overdone it with this one?
Thanks!

[swilliams61]

Even though the eyes stand out, it's a little too blown out for my liking, but that's just me!

[sk66]

I'd say it's a bit hot...

[LeeR]

Yes, this is horribly overexposed. Would it help to tell you how to find it yourself? Generally, we want images that go from deepest black to brightest white in a series of subtle gradations. The extremes of black and white are areas where they are either so light or dark that no detail is visible. For reasons I don't quite understand, we are usually willing to tolerate much larger areas of pure black than areas of pure white. A tiny bit of pure white in the brightest areas is considered acceptable, but in your image more than half is so white that no details are visible. Also, the skin tones are unnatural. Those are both very clear signs of overexposure. I don't know what the settings are on your camera and flash,but it appears something is not set right. Most modern cameras will get this shot right 95% of the time.

[faithhelm]

Thanks for taking the time to comment. Even though it stings a little, I know it will strengthen me as a photographer. Your critique is just what I was searching for.

[pekelo]

I think so...just look at your subject's expression...LOL

[Nicole Hanna]

I seem to disagree with pretty much everyone here all the time, lol, and will say that I personally love the exposure. I don't like the notion of "acceptable" levels of.... well... anything in art, including exposure. It could be a pretty photo if the exposure was level, but, in my opinion, would also be boring and predictable. This fills me with a sense of candidness that we're sometimes lucky enough to capture. A real "moment" without a bit of it contrived, prepared or planned. I like that about it. But, photography is subjective to personal taste. If YOU like it, that's the better place to start.

[gturner]

it is a fun candid but a technically poor image. LeeR says about all of it for me.
There are overexposed bits + just plain burnt areas.

I like the expression, he seemed to know he was about to get blasted by the flash.