Friend In Tuxedo

[kingjulien]

Camera: Canon EOS 600D
Exposure: 0.001 sec (1/1600)
Aperture: f/1.8
Focal Length: 50 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Off, Did not fire

Hi guys, this is the second picture that I've posted here since April. After the first critique, I've gone through researchers and studying references about portraiture, hoping that I could improve. So here's my second picture for critique and how can I improve this picture?

Thanks.

[OK_to_Point]

I like the pose and color...the only thing and it could be my monitor is the focus. On my screen it looks a bit soft....anyone else think so? otherwise a very nice shot

[3bayjunkie]

focus looks spot on to me. Nice exposure!

[kingjulien]

Thanks... =)
Is there anything else that I can improve in this picture?

[Bruce A]

It doesn't conform to the rule of thirds, but rules can be broken. I looked at a smaller crop taking away some of the neg space above his head (by holding a card over the image) and I find it neither improves nor takes away from the photograph. In fact, that his head is tilted up a little seems to account for that space so all in all I can't really think of what would improve upon this shot other than replacing his head with that of Charleze Theron.

Nice work!

[kingjulien]

Originally Posted by Bruce A

It doesn't conform to the rule of thirds, but rules can be broken. I looked at a smaller crop taking away some of the neg space above his head (by holding a card over the image) and I find it neither improves nor takes away from the photograph. In fact, that his head is tilted up a little seems to account for that space so all in all I can't really think of what would improve upon this shot other than replacing his head with that of Charleze Theron.

Nice work!

Thanks for the comments. =)
Oh, does the Bokeh seems to be a too distracting? One of my friend just told me that but some don't feel that it's distracting.

[Stryker]

Originally Posted by kingjulien

Oh, does the Bokeh seems to be a too distracting? One of my friend just told me that but some don't feel that it's distracting.

No, to me the bokeh looks great. In fact, the bokeh is what is making this image look more than just another head shot. That and the angle. If there is anything to critique, it would be that the whiteness in the bokeh is a little distracting.

[Bruce A]

Originally Posted by Stryker

No, to me the bokeh looks great. In fact, the bokeh is what is making this image look more than just another head shot. That and the angle. If there is anything to critique, it would be that the whiteness in the bokeh is a little distracting.

While I can see what Styker says, the bokeh is still good and important to the portrait giving it separation and depth.

[kingjulien]

Thanks! I'll note that down. Appreciate it a lot!