What would you do different

What would you do different to make this picture "Pop."

I edited it a bit more... (Turn Image Editing on so we don't get into trouble here.)

These are the adjustments I did in Camera RAW. I'm sure the settings may be a little different with a) a full sized jpg or b) the actual RAW file.

I actually like the lighter look of your first image--there seems to be an innocent glow about it which goes well with the subject.

As for making the image pop, maybe just add a touch of saturation and contrast to the first image.

VCY wrote in post #15115092
As for making the image pop, maybe just add a touch of saturation and contrast to the first image.

Basically those are the 2 major things I did. I also did some slight changes to other things in this photo as well. I thought the cheeps on the child were a bit blown out so I lowered the brightness and the exposure just a bit. That also helped bring out the color a bit more with the saturation as well.

I like the first image as is, it tells a story.

thanks guys! looking at the picture again, I do like how it turned out. I will eventually invest in a flash, but i love how the picture turned out and it doesnt help that he is really really really ridiculously good looking.

CameraMan wrote in post #15115177
Basically those are the 2 major things I did. I also did some slight changes to other things in this photo as well. I thought the cheeps on the child were a bit blown out so I lowered the brightness and the exposure just a bit. That also helped bring out the color a bit more with the saturation as well.

Oh man, I thought you were the OP--I didn't realize that you were another user! (Hence me saying, "I actually like the lighter look of your first image...")

@OP: I heartily recommend picking up the Speedliter's Handbook by Syl Arena if you're planning on getting a flash. Your technique is good and a flash will serve you well in difficult situations.

noted. i have been messing around with the pictures a lot in lightroom.

man, its hard understanding all of it

I'd go with CameraMan's edit then brighten his eyes. Turn on image editing if you want some takes on it.

Catch light.
Background.
Vertical (Portrait) format.

Are my 3 area of work, to improve.

This particular image can not be salvaged. If you want folks here to experiment with your files, turn on "image editing OK"
1. better light
2. smaller aperture
alternatively, you could slap it into instagram, apply funky processing, sit back and wait for all the likes and great comments from your facebook friends

I like the original, a simple candid of an adorable child.

I think I would try cropping some of the right hand side off, maybe at the child's elbow.
Just my opinion.

ChunkyDA wrote in post #15120890
This particular image can not be salvaged. If you want folks here to experiment with your files, turn on "image editing OK"
1. better light
2. smaller aperture
alternatively, you could slap it into instagram, apply funky processing, sit back and wait for all the likes and great comments from your facebook friends

To the OP.
Are you there???

If your intention of placing image here is to get more help, you need to turn your Image Editing to OK on your profile setting so that at least people who have the ability and time, may show you a bit of HOW.

If you like to receive just Excellent comments, listen to advice above, you may get few more good comments here too but ask yourself if only that would help you; and have a good day.

yes im here... thanks for all the responses and suggestions. i set it for image editing to ok. so you guys can have fun now.

I know there is dried up boogers around his nose... this was one of my first shots when i got my new 5d ii so nothing was planned and his facial expression was one of those lucky shots. \