I took a pretty good pic of my boys while on a trip to Chicago and wanted to share it here.

[leeroysphitz]

I used a Nikon L810 and the photo is unedited but for resizing.

I've only recently decided to get more serious about photography so any tips, criticisms and such are welcome.

[snappyturtle]

1. It's a keeper! That photo will bring back great

memories down the road a bit.

[leeroysphitz]

2. Definitely. Thanks.

[alfredo]

3. That is what is called an environmental portrait. It tells a story.

Note how the black stripe pulls the eye to the younger boy's face.

One thing that will help is learning the rule of threes. Also notice the boys form a triangle. Triangles are good. Think the many paintings of the Madonna and Child.

http://digital-photography-school.com/rule-of-thirds

Check to see if your camera has a grid that will display on your LCD. That helps with composition and leveling the horizon. Your verticals are good in that shot.

[leeroysphitz]

4. Alfredo, thanks for the feedback. You make good points.

I have the rule of thirds grid activated but I never learned the actual rule... lol

Thanks again.

[alfredo]

5. The good thing about digital photography, you can use the crop tool to

fix many composition problems.

Composition is the easiest way to improve your photography. Lighting is another. I'm still a duffer when it comes to lighting, and probably will never get it right.

[Stevenmarc]

6. It just needs a bit of cropping

Last edited Mon Apr 22, 2013, 10:59 AM - Edit history (1)

There's a whole lot on the left side that is pretty unnecessary, like the pole, the lights and quite frankly it's not as architecturally strong as the right side. You also really don't want you subjects compleatly dead center in this kind of photo. I also added a bit of structure and a bit more exposure on the face.

[leeroysphitz]

7. I disliked the pole as well but I didn't want to lose that much of the skyline.

Probably overkill on my part but I really love the Chicago skyline.

Your crop looks great and I appreciate the pointers.

[Blue_In_AK]

8. Cute kids.

Big brother looks very protective.