Playing with B& W

[Je2nE]

First off this is my very first post. I am brand spanking new to this site. I have been taking pictures for a while now. This particular photo was taken with a canon rebel xsi using a 55-250 mm lens with an f/5.6. It was taken in that "magic hour" right before sunset. I love how the lighting turned out. I know I have far to go and much to learn I am hoping to learn much more from everyone here.

[RecurrentNerve]

It's a nice shot, but I think the colour pop only detracts from it.

[Laurenbiz]

The composition is nice, but two things here are displeasing to me:

* Lack of boldness in your blacks (did you click 'desaturate' or decrease saturation when opening a new hue/saturation pallette?)

* Color (Perhaps if she were holding a flower, I could see that in color against B/W - but to color her rubber bracelet seems odd to me)

[Je2nE]

It was a candid shot, She was lying down watching her brothers skate board. I colored the bracelet because it was odd and made it balance a bit, but I do see I should pay attention to the saturation. Without the bracelet colored I felt the whole thing just did not sit right. Anyone else have a thought on the balance?

[RecurrentNerve]

If anything it unbalances it. Your eye is immediately drawn to that corner of the shot. If it was an advert for the charity that might be alright, but as it is, doesn't work.

I'd just increase the contrast a little with Levels and enhance the eyes with some dodge and burning.

[zona5101]

I agree with RecurrentNerve.

[Je2nE]

That makes perfect sense.. I will rework this photo..... Thank you all!