I'd straighten the boardwalk, and crop a bit, to make the trash barrel off centered, or clone out the barrel completely. Also, I might try clarifying a bit, to bring out the contrast and detail a bit more.

I think this image has some potential but there are a few flaws which could easily be fixed. First is the quality of the image. There are heavy dust marks from scanning which should be cloned out in an imaging program. The horizon line should also be straightened. I think if you cropped the image from the edge of the white sign on the right, to the edge of the "shoot" sign on the left the composition would be better, and help the eyes move through the image.

The garbage can is quite distracting, but unless you cloned it out you can't really help that. I think with the different crop it would not be quite as centered and may not be as much of a problem. I do like the girl and she helps to provide a focal point between the sign and the garbage can.

The image has a vintage feeling to it which is quite nice. Partly this is because it is a B&W film image, but also by your choice of subject.

I went to look at your other images because I wanted to know more about you and your level of experience. Please consider adding some information to your profile on Vazaar as it will help people when commenting and critiquing your images. I like how you are placing people in your images. Keep playing and experimenting with photography.

i like the b&w.... seems fuzzy to m

1. If the horizontal tilt is intended, leave it. Otherwise, fix it.

2/ The trash can must stay. This is street photography. This is what you saw. This is how it was. The trash can is part of the scene.

3/ What you should clone out is the "hair/thread" at the top of the frame (along with other dust specks and blemishes.

4/ Teryn: This photograph is not fuzzy. This is film grain. A photograph does not have to have a clinical appearance to make an impact.

The composition is good. I really like this photo. The texture in the boardwalk is enjoyable.

Very good work.
I agree with the above about straitening the horizon.
I do like the image. I like the feel of it just agree with the comments above on how to rework this.

I love film grain. I agree with the above, though, cloning out the fuzz and blemishes. The horizon, if it isn't meant to be crooked, would enhance the image if it was straight.I would like to see some of the shadows in the middle lightened a hair, just so the image doesn't seem overall so dark.

I LOVE the b&w!!!

I saw your other images. You have a great eye! Please update your info and keep posting!!!

Great picture. The candid reaction of the girl is perfect. If you could go back you might consider:

• The girl needs 1/2 more step to place her in a white area
• Change the angle so that the trash can is not a focal point

If you have the software, clean up the dust.

hey thank you all so much for the feedback. i just thought i'd explain the trash can because a lot of people seem to have qualms with that aspect of the picture. personally, i feel it is a crucial part of the photo, and i framed my shot purposefully so. first of all, on a purely technical basis, i love the way it bisects the dark boards in the center, and the way it itself is bisected, light and dark. i used the trash can, however, symbolically, as it says something about coney island, a truly american area that has fallen into antiquity, become a zone for trash and refuse, the flotsam and jetsam of brooklyn tides. i wanted, in a way, to glorify the trash, to evoke the garbage idolatry i feel every time i visit.

OK raphshap, here's my two penneth. Watever your interpretation or intentions are when you take an image, you can be sure it will be interpreted a 100 different other ways than you ever thought of. There are certain "rules" in photography that will lead people to immediately discount your image if it is not quite obviously out of the top drawer, or your name is Henri Cartier-Bresson (then people question their own judgement instead). I like your explanation, but ideally a photograph should not need your definition, it should stand by itself. So basically, I'd adjust the horizon, remove the hair and let it stand. Good job!

yes i know, and thank you. i certainly have taken all of the criticism into account, i think it is all true and reasonable. i just wanted to voice what it meant to me since i am afforded that luxury in this forum :)