Hi Hannah,
One of the big mistakes many photographers make is that they assume creating a good photograph is simply a case of pushing the button on the camera at the right moment. What the great masters have taught us over many years though, is that in most cases, just as much effort goes into the post production of a great photograph as the capture itself.
Classic examples of this include the work of Ansell Adams, the great American landscape photographer who wrote at least two books on darkroom technique and the printing process. Then there's Arnold Newman, Diane Arbus, Mary Ellen Mark and dozens more black-and-white photographers who knew that the management of the negative in the darkroom was just as critical the deciding what moment to push the button.
I think this is an interesting image but you need to take control of the tones… how the different shades of grey play out across the face and background.
With the photograph below I have taken the opportunity to remove the highlights in the eye (created by the flash on your camera) and then I have cropped the photo and added a dark vignette.
The next step was to gently lighten and darken different parts of Amelie's face using the Dodge and Burn Tools in Photoshop, and selective Curve adjustments.
Given the chance, I would suggest you have another go at this photo. This time use available light and make sure the flash stays off (this might mean putting the camera into one of the manual modes).
When you reshoot, take some time to think about your perspective. In this shot I think you were too close to her face. If you step back a little the shot will be more flattering. And remember, as the great masters would tell you, it is all about practice!
Keep exploring the wonderful world of black and white!
Cheers, Anthony.
Image Doctor's edited version
