Working together

[Elbee19]

Here's a shot I took of a mother working with her son during a math and science night at my school. I know it might not draw much interest from some, but any comments on how I could have made this photo better would greatly be appreciated. Here's the EXIF info on the photo...
Model: Canon 350D
Exposure Time: 1/125
f-stop: 4.5
Exposure Program: Av
ISO: 1600
Lense: 18-55mm kit lens
Other Info: No flash, natural gym lighting, hand held

[The Edisonian]

I would think from a photojournalist standpoint, the picture is fine. Focus is on their faces as it should be. The composition and/or crop is a bit tight though.

[gkuenning]

The concentration is great. The background blur is great. I agree with The Edisonian about the crop; I'd like to see the top of her head, and the back of his. We could wish that the background color was more different than their skin, but you gotta take 'em as they comes. The important thing is that you captured the moment.

[Elbee19]

Completely understand the comments about the tight crop. Not to be making excuses but just so it is known...I cropped this tight because there were a few distracting elements surrounding this mother and son.
I would think from a photojournalist standpoint...
That's exactly the frame of mind I was in when I was snapping photos this particular day. I was taking the photos with the idea that they could be used in our newsletter or school yearbook.

Thanks for the comments so far! ;)

[Elbee19]

Would a wider angled lense have worked better for this type of shot or would it have caused too much facial feature distortions? Thanks for the responses!

[Ben Daniels]

Very nice shot Elbee.
The thing for me is that the light circle to the right of the ladies head, and the darker roundish mark just below that attracts my attention away from the faces of the people. If they were cloned out the only thing to look at would be the mother and child.

Ben

[jmanser]

I think you did a great job, IMO. It's amazing that there is no noise, considering you were at ISO 1600.. I might have to try shooting that way on occasion! I think that this photo tells a very nice story, and the way it's framed doesn't bother me.. I'm one to crop my photos too tight anyway :) The only thing I would change on this is to play with Levels and Color Balance a bit. Nice shot!

[Elbee19]

Ben...thank you for the suggestions concerning the distractors. I've taken your advice and tweaked the photo a bit. Attached is the fix.

Jmanser...I must admit I am not very good at messing about in PS unless it's the basics. I get so frustrated when I start messing about with things because I always seem to make the photo worse! ;) I have taken you advice and tweaked the levels a bit. My eye seems to think it's better but as we all know what my eye thinks is better may not be!

Please let me know what you all think about the fixes! Thank you!

[Elbee19]

I don't operate out of the right side of my brain too well so I have trouble with the artistic nature of things. Someone mentioned the background colour of this shot. With natural tones of the subjects, what would be the best colour for the background? I am going to try to work a in PS with the suggestions I receive. Thank you!