Underexposed? (newbie)

[ninochka]

Hi everyone, I'm pretty new to photography in general and this is my first forum post so I'm sorry if I don't phrase something right. I was just wondering if this photo is a bit underexposed, I was worried about the background being a bit dark.. I didn't want to increase exposure because then the blue in Kevin's shirt would have been blown out.
EXIF info
Device: Nikon D3000
Lens: 35mm F/1.8G
Focal Length: 35mm
Aperture: F/1.8
Shutter Speed: 1/800s
ISO Sensitivity: Auto (ISO 160)
No flash

Any other critiques are much appreciated!
Thank you =)

[BigFuzzy]

I don't think it's underexposed at all in terms of my taste for this image. Maybe it is technically, but overall I like the image tone and feel.

The only thing I'd say (though I'm not sure you asked for it) is that I don't love that his face is in the middle of that bright busy spot... bright wouldn't be so bad if it weren't also busy which detracts from his face in my opinion..

Still, there's something that draws me to this image.. can't say that often.

[ninochka]

Originally Posted by BigFuzzy

I don't think it's underexposed at all in terms of my taste for this image. Maybe it is technically, but overall I like the image tone and feel.

The only thing I'd say (though I'm not sure you asked for it) is that I don't love that his face is in the middle of that bright busy spot... bright wouldn't be so bad if it weren't also busy which detracts from his face in my opinion..

Still, there's something that draws me to this image.. can't say that often.

Thanks so much! It was a pretty spur of the moment shot so I agree that the composition could have been better. I really appreciate the feedback, thank you!