A Boys Lifeby
aurorabComment by FrankRobinson: Hi Shannon, welcome to the Critique Zone!
My initial take on this shot was that it is very cute, colourful and with plenty of interesting detail - and yet it only scored about an 'average' score. So why was that?
Technical: I'm guessing that light was a problem for you here - the slightly high ISO and the aperture still didn't really give you a particularly bright shot. With a stationary subject and an IS lens, I would drop the shutter to maybe 1/40 with those settings - or even 1/20 and make the aperture smaller (those kit lenses really aren't at their best wide open). It looks as if there is quite a bit of light, but you are taking it in a shadowed area - perhaps just move your 'set' into the light a bit more? Where you are, the natural light has given your model a really odd shadow just above the knee, which almost looks like an editing error.
Artistically: This is completely subjective, but... I don't think this is a time to break the rule of thirds, and I would pop the model a little further right to stop him being in the centre. There is also a lot going on in the background - I would think that the toys in the foreground would be enough, with just trees / bushes behind rather than the table (?) - this would also give it more contrast. On the other hand, the detail of the laces, the plaster etc on your model is excellent and makes the shot. It's all about balance!
PP: You mention upping the contrast - I don't know how you did this, but ideally I would use levels, or even better, curves. As it stands, the lack of direct light leaves the whole shot just a little gloomy and levels / curves can help with that.
In summary, it's a really cute shot, but the difference between good shots and great shots around here is all about getting the lighting right. I hope that helps!
Frank.
Photographer found comment helpful.
