One of a 4 Y/O

[Jimmy B]

What do others see in it I don't?

[MB1]

The flash is too harsh and there is too much black on the lower left. Not much you can do about the flash but cropping from the left to his eyebrow wouldn't harm the good parts of what you have here.

[freygr]

I like the crop and the photo, but I have to agree that the lighting is harsh.

[GB1]

Jimmy - I do think the flash is a tad harsh. Perhaps getting this close to someone calls for the old "handkerchief over the flash" effect to soften it up a little.

I do like his expression, but there's several other aspects that prevent it from really working. There is significant contrast due to the black towel/sheet next to fair skin. The shadow is slightly unflattering. And there is really the lack of eye contact or any real definition in the eyes. Not that someone has to always be looking at the lens, but defined sharp eyes is what really makes a portrait.

Hope this helps - GB