Shot with natural light no flash.

Ok this is my first Picture I have put on this forum for your comments.

Okay not sure why the info did not show up. But shot with d3100 18-55mm kit lens A1/15 f5.6 ISO 100 no flash. If that helps.

It looks a little soft / out of focus. Also you need to move them away from the background so you don't get that harsh shadow.

Firefox add-on FXif used to get the data below

Camera Maker: NIKON CORPORATION
Camera Model: NIKON D3100
Image Date: 2012-03-03 05:13:59 (no TZ)
Focal Length: 52mm (35mm equivalent: 78mm)
Aperture: f/5.6
Exposure Time: 0.025 s (1/40)
ISO equiv: 100
Exposure Bias: none
Metering Mode: Matrix
Exposure: aperture priority (semi-auto)
White Balance: Auto
Flash Fired: No
Orientation: Normal
GPS Coordinate: undefined, undefined
Software: Microsoft Windows Live Photo Gallery14.0.8117.416

I think you could have bumped the ISO up to get a faster shutter speed, possible camera shake as it does seem a bit out of focus. Sharpness may be low since it is an extreme crop. I think I like the uncropped shot better.

I think it's motion blurred. With a 52mm lens your slowest shutter speed should be 1/80th. And with kids I'd bring it up to at least 1/125th. Don't be afraid of taking your iso up a bit. It's better to have a little noise than a blurred picture.

But the kid's expression is well caught. You clicked the shutter at the right time. I like it.

The white balance is good for this type of shot as well IMO...that brick mortar drives me frigging crazy...

Thanks for your input. These two guys are my grandsons and getting them to stop moving is quite a chore. I think bumping up the ISO is a great idea when shooting active children. Only been on this forum a week and have learned a lot. Now just have to remember it all.

Thanks
Tim

my opinion:

- ISO 200
- up the shutter speed to 1/100 or so
- move the subject away from the wall about a foot or so
- step closer to the subject to take your shot

enjoy the results......