Composition question

[DannyOO]

I'm wanting to get back into serious photography after about a 20 year hiatus. A lot has changed (obviously) due to the digital scene, and my memories of how things should be done are very murky.

Anyways, I'm using an old Lumix dmc-fz50 10.1 megapixel camera and trying to remember the old things about photo composition and exposure, and learn about new things like pp techniques on the computer to make them look right. If photography satisfies me like it used to, then I can foresee a DSLR purchase coming soon

I know that after looking at some of my recent pics that I need to work on the composition more, but this one has me wondering if it's ok just like it is, or should there be more included in the photo to show context. A part of me says that it's pretty obvious what the setting is, but I've got to wonder if it's only because I was there.




Camera Panasonic DMC-FZ50
Exposure 0.002 sec (1/640)
Aperture f/4.5
Focal Length 44.8 mm
ISO Speed 100
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash Off, Did not fire

Thanks!
Danny

[Stryker]

I think you should include more of the scene for the context to be obvious. As it is, I can infer that it has something to do with water. But is it a swimming pool or a beach or something else is not clear. As you say, you were there so you know but we weren't.

[intrepidstu]

Personaly, i like it as it is. It does no harm to make the viewer think a little about what is going on in the image, in fact i think it creates more interest. I would only include more if it was absolutely needed to explain the image (which i dont think it needs). If you were to include more, you would loose the fine details such as the water (or spit) dribbling from the chin, and the sheen of the water on the skin. Use your instincts...i think you got this one right but maybe i would have placed him a little to the right to make it a little more dynamic.

Stu.

[intrepidstu]

Ignore the bit about placement. The diagnol is great and would suffer if the subject moved to the right.

[Eyad]

I don't think it needs changing... The details of the water drops and the wet hair gives more interest to the picture.

I think also the look on the kid's face gives the viewer kind of "thinking" and imagination on what's going on.... Is it anticipation for soething to happen or just waiting for the right moment to jump in....etc

Composition follows the rule of thirds with the diagonal line and the placement of the head in the picture.

I think that the eye is the only thing I would've loved to see brighter as it's covered with the front shadow due to 90 digrees light.

Overall, wonderful pic

[bphilleo]

I would personally prefer if there was a little more room for him to move into, so maybe by backing up a bit to leave a little more empty space in front of him.

And also getting a little more light reflected back into his face, it seems a bit dark to me.

[DanaLane]

I have to agree with bphilleo, I'd like to the boy placed further right in the frame. Otherwise, I like the close crop and the pale blue sky. Nicely done!