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I was trying to be as precise as possible with the skin colors on

this. I also added som effects in Photoshop (changed brick color

from red to brown, added light reflection to background and added

highlights to his back). Not expecting high marks, but I would like

feedback on how this photo does as a straight studio portrait and

recommendations for improvement. Thanks...

Too much going on in background. Colors seem too muted and dark. The mood intended seems inadvertently ambiguous.

Thanks Roy. I value your advice and see your point. I'm always interested in feedback that might make me a better photographer someday.

I like your natural looking portraits. I like the lighting on his face. I don't really find it dark, but the ray of light across the background and the two light vertical lines framing his head do draw my attention away from the subject, so if that could be toned down I think it would improve it. I think the ambiguity of mood comes from the body language - the arm held tight across the body with only part of the arm showing, and hunched shoulders, give a feeling of reserve.

S Kezia, thank you for your input as well. I'm really trying to improve my studio shots. I think part of what I need to do is expand my subjects (leave my poor kids alone). I can't do much about his pose in this photo, but I took your advice and Roy's advice and worked this a little more in my darkroom (photoshop). I'm attaching what I hope is an improved photo. Again thanks both for your help!