Self Portrait

Awesome portrait, Jerome. It looks like you've portrayed a lot of angst with your look and the blinds.

I was gonna' mention a crop along the top edge, but I feel the weight of that darkness adds to the image with what i've said above.

Yes really good, I'd be tempted to just clone that background out a bit (is it the couch?) but just love the overall look, feel and pose.

I think this is one fantastic shot. I would say that this kind of photo takes you to a whole new level. You have a wonderful eye for the unusual...I have looked through your other pictures and you just get better and better. You will be someone to watch out for in the world of photography in the future!!!

Keep on sharing your work.

I would not clone out the bed...the faded background gives the boy a story...in his room, looking out. "A picture is worth a thousand words."

as Ever; Judith Ann

ps....How did you make out in the School Photo Contest...what did you enter and did you place???

A beautiful exposure. I agree with JudithAnn, the background details of a teenage bedroom lair set the scene perfectly. However knocking out all the background to black would make for a fabulous contemporary portrait.

I agree with the comments praising the artistry of this picture and I would also like to add that the quality of the image is first rate. I can imagine this as an A3 print in an exhibition. I'm with those who say don't clone out the subdued background detail. It adds to the picture.
david

Wow...thanks!

For this I really started thinking about the composition etc. consciously which is something i've never really done before. I think(if I am getting better) then I'd have to thank this forum.

I think the picture would be very different without the background...not sure whether it would be better or worse but definately different. It would have a different message as you would lose the teenager in his own surroundings.

In the end I chose not to enter the contest as i saw some of the entries and, well, not meaning to sound arrogant but they werent really on the same wave-length. They were quite simplistic snaps of something 'cool' but with no thought given to how the picture looked. It didnt seem fair for me to enter...oh well im sure there will be another one soon and people might get more inspired :S
However, i found all the advice incredibly useful so thank you for everyone who commented
jt