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Message: <blockquote data-quote="jdeg" data-source="post: 76825" data-attributes="member: 1">Okay - I moved this to the critique forum so more will see it...The first thing I would suggest is to read about what makes a good photo, and how to take it. Analyze what is appealing to the example you posted. The focus (which is actually a bit off), the lighting, and the composition. The photographer made the eyes the center of attention. If you can see the exif, I bet it's 35 or 50mm. It doesn't look like a flash was used, but natural light.There are several aspects of your photo that are off. For portrait photography you almost never want to use 18mm. It will distort things - most apparently in his foot. Use 35 or more whenever possible.Think about the composition. His face should be in the center. Sometimes this can be fixed with cropping. Think about what the subject is before the photo is taken. Use the rule of thirds.Most importantly, lighting - your flash fired because there wasn't enough light. The popup flash on the D5100 is okay for some situations, but if you want a more professional photo either use natural light, or invest in a sb-600 or sb-700. I never use a flash if I don't have too though. Sometimes it's a matter of turning it off, dialing settings in if not in auto mode, and holding the camera steady. Pay attention to your light meter. If you simply don't have enough light you'll end up with a blurry photo.If you don't understand any of the above you'll need to read and practice as much as possible. You'll get it <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></blockquote>

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