[pjm1]

First, a question about etiquette... I've posted a few photos to this section in the last week so not sure whether I'm posting too much? I don't want to take up "bandwidth" inappropriately and push others' photos down the critique queue. I'm very much starting out, so looking for all the tips I can get, which is why I'm posting a fair bit here!

Thanks in advance and I won't be offended if it's suggested I post fewer pictures!

"Happy eye" - I know it's a bit of a cliched composition (and strictly speaking it's not black and white) but keen to have feedback on how it could be improved or whether the subject simply doesn't suit this style.

[jac]

Composition great but I might have cropped a slice of the blank space on the right-hand side. Also, you're working with a very narrow DOF at f2 and the eye is not as sharp as it could be. But I like the use of natural light and you probably could not have gotten the shot below 1/30s. However, the K5 can handle a higher iso easily so you could have had iso 800 and, say f4. Overall though it's a keeper - the soft colours, the bright, blue eye and a smile that overcomes slight flaws.
And don't worry about too many posts. That's what the forum is all about.

[pjm1]

Thanks Jac... I think next time if I were going for the same photo, I'd try to get more natural light in and user a faster shutter speed. I like the very narrow DOF but maybe need to close it down a touch. Yes, you're definitely right about the ISO and that's something I've accepted over the last couple of weeks - ISO 3200 with an in-focus shot and no motion blur is better than a noise-free but otherwise unusable shot at ISO 80!

I'm gradually improving my technique - both in terms of using my camera (it's now been a month since I switched to manual 90% of the time) and composition. The latter is what needs the most work IMO, as I'm not naturally "artistic". The former just comes with more and more practice so I have to be patient.