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Nice shot Matt!
I'd be inclined to crop out the shoulder and chair on the left as you look at the image. I feel it'd have a more of an intimate feeling about it then. I wonder what he's thinking? I'm guessing he didn't enjoy having his photo taken?

Cool shot Matt. Callum is very photogenic.
I agree with Geoff - crop out the chair and pole - maybe go for a portrait crop - removing some of the right side and clone out the bright section at the top of the wall.
Cheers, Mick

Aaah! The pole and shoulder! I think the pole adds balance and depth to the image...and the shoulder does no harm. Of course I considered a tight crop, but then the image would take on a 'mug shot' look. I often think we put in too much or we take out too much. I guess a fine balance is the aim. If an element has any visual interest and does not detract from the main subject then I am more inclined to leave it. But your comments are valid and certainly your opinions are welcomed! I am becoming more interested in the different reactions of the viewer but then there will never be a formula that will satisfy all. That's what makes the game so fascinating.

Hi Matt,
I'd have to agree with you here. Taking the photo in context, the background, pole and shoulder are all part of the scene. He wasn't sitting alone and it gives the viewer a sense of him sitting out in the courtyard with others (which I'm assuming he was doing) ?
Had it been a serious portrait shot, then I'd possibly be saying the same thing about cropping or removing some of the elements....but it's not. To me it's more of a happy snap...

My observation finds the image lacking in contrast a bit, on my work LCD monitor (uncalibrated). Not sure if others think the same ??

Nice capture though...

Aussie Dave
You're making sense!

Matt. K wrote:Aussie Dave
You're making sense!

Geez...that's a first, isn't it !