Watching the Funby
bjallenComment by KaDi: The boy is entirely the subject of the image. The play house sets the context. However, my eye is pulled to the brightest areas around the leaves. I find I have to fight my way back to the quieter portrait of the boy. I find the framing with three inset square areas somewhat pleasing compositionally, however, the outermost portion begs to be toned down. With advanced editing in your toolbox, it seems that could have been achieved to some degree but you'd be fighting those brightly exposed highlights. Cropping out much of the right side and some of the lower portion appears to be the remaining option.
As one commenter mentioned, the blue bolt draws attention. Desaturating this item would help...perhaps even bringing down the contrast there as well.
The boy is placed roughly at one of the traditional (rule of thirds) power points which gives this subject power. That he's even a little above and outside of this placement adds, I think, to the feeling of separation.
The lighting on his face is lovely. Because of the framing of the playset, however, his head seems to float...a little too separated from his body which is barely visible between the slats.
If this could be re-shot, a vertical arrangement might be pleasing. It would lift him well above the center and accentuate the feeling of distance that you are trying to convey.
Outside of the leafy background, color, tone, exposure, lighting, focus are all spot-on. You've captured an emotive moment that fit the challenge...but the voters were unconvinced.
Keep shooting! Have fun!
--Kadi
Photographer found comment helpful.