One of my first images

[douvidl]

I would appreciate some gently C & C.  I am considered entering the image in a local show and would like some "early warning"
Thanks
David

[louoates]

For me there are too many distractions in the background. I also see the harsh flash shadow to the right of the head. Cropping tighter would ease the background clutter and reducing the brightness and saturation of the background would also help. I'd also clone out the bright reflections in the nose.

[RSL]

I'd agree with Lou about the background, but then, I wonder what the shot would have been like with the background opened enough to give a sense of place. But I'd go farther than Lou on the flash. There's no way to use flash in a picture like this without destroying the whole thing.

On the other hand, the guy has an interesting face, and with the right lighting I think you could do something quite good with him, David.

[dzeanah]

Every time I look at it I see the piece of white cotton stuff in his hair.

[popnfresh]

Try shooting without using a flash and when the light looks good. Get to know your camera and what different ISO and f-stop settings can do for you. The more you shoot the better you'll get.

[EduPerez]

What other have said, plus my own piece of advice: perhaps with lots of post-processing you could get rid of the background (but that will create an out-of-context portrait, and perhaps that weren't your intentions) and reduce the effects of the flash (or maybe enhance and benefit from them?).

[Jeremy Roussak]

I'd agree with Lou about the background, but then, I wonder what the shot would have been like with the background opened enough to give a sense of place. But I'd go farther than Lou on the flash. There's no way to use flash in a picture like this without destroying the whole thing.

On the other hand, the guy has an interesting face, and with the right lighting I think you could do something quite good with him, David.

The background is cluttered and a distraction, I agree. There's a white flash in the eyes as well.

"He" is female, I think. I'm sure I can see a bra.

Jeremy

[Tony Jay]

"He" is female, I think. I'm sure I can see a bra...

I wondered... but I confess that I didn't have the courage to say anything.

Regards

Tony Jay

[Rob C]

I wondered... but I confess that I didn't have the courage to say anything.

Regards

Tony Jay

Both mistaken: it's a double shoulder-holster for grenades.

Standard suicide jockey equipment available at any Army Surplus near you.

Rob C

[Slobodan Blagojevic]

... "He" is female, I think. I'm sure I can see a bra...

Could be a wife-beater (undershirt, that is)?

On a more serious note, with requests for critique like this, coming from a (relatively) new member, it would help enormously to let us know why you took that photo, i.e., what attracted you to the scene in the first place, and why do you think it is art-show worthy (what's the show theme, etc.). Is there a story behind the picture, i.e., is there more than meets the eye?