Fine, I'll let you take a picture.

[Gem]

This kid is impossible to get a picture of! He's always running around and never sits still; but this time he let me snap one of him. I tried to save it by converting it to B&W since I was using the on camera flash. As always, critique away!

[Mad Aussie]

It's actually a nice composition ... like the way his fingers look like they are resting on the translucent border.

Unfortunately it's not very sharp so that takes away from the appeal of course.

The flash 'drop-off' (Flash lights foreground and subject causing the camera to expose for that but fails to sufficiently light the background causing the darkness) has darkened the background but not quite blackened it right out so I'd probably finish the job and make the background completely dark ... I think.

This photo might benefit from one of the glamour style filters that add a purposeful blur effect perhaps.

Man ... you should bribe that kid to sit still for a few shots so you can score those big eyes in focus. I reckon you'd get a great shot.
Another way might be to wait until he's watching his favourite DVD and is glued to the screen. You might get a nice low light shot that way.

[Marko]

I agree, it's a good pose with good composition. The eyes look way too overprocessed though, for me, it's ruining the shot.
Hope that wasn't too harsh
Marko

[Gem]

For some reason, I thought it was hilarious the way his eyes looked (in my defense, I was sleep deprived!) but now they just freak me out. I tried the bribing part (with chocolate), didn't work too well. He stayed still for all of 15 seconds before he ran off

SIGH, I noticed I tend to do generally well with comp but not so good with focus. Anyhoo, I made the background darker and the eyes less processed as suggested. I think I know what kind of effect you're talking about MA, but not too sure which filter it is...So, better? Yes? No? (It actually seems to be appearing softer than what I have...don't know why.)

[Mad Aussie]

I tried the bribing part (with chocolate), didn't work too well. He stayed still for all of 15 seconds before he ran off

Nooo ... you don't give ALL the chocolate at once!!

Half now ... and half after and IF he stays still for long enough. You can't trust these shifty little suckers with full payment!! They are a lot like humans only shorter!

I think it looks like a step in the right direction to me Gem.

Can I ask what sort of camera you have?

[Gem]

Nooo ... you don't give ALL the chocolate at once!!

Half now ... and half after and IF he stays still for long enough. You can't trust these shifty little suckers with full payment!! They are a lot like humans only shorter!

Are you kidding me?! I didn't give him ANY chocolate! Then the little brat came to afterwards with big puppy eyes saying I didn't give him any chocolate What could I do but give in to him...?

I think it looks like a step in the right direction to me Gem.

Can I ask what sort of camera you have?

I have a canon powershot s5 right now ... yes, non dSLR. I didn't really get into photography until a few months ago (November, I think?) and I got this camera last May ($~800) so I can't afford to spend $1000 right now. Especially with tuition. Although, hopefully I'll have enough money in summer (looking for a job right now) to get a camera. Keeping my fingers crossed