C&C on youth football shot

PixNW

I'd appreciate some C&C on this image. I like having a bit of space above the helmets, but is the ref's head being cut off like that a bit too distracting?

I tend to like contrasty images, but did I go a bit too far with this one?

thdizzy

IMHO - Just a tad too much contrast. I'd also try cropping the ref out to the shoulders (maybe). But I definetley crop out the arm on the right which should still leave you the players (next to the arm) full helmet.

PixNW

Thanks Todd. I agree on the cropping, and appreciate the feedback on the contrast. I thought it might have been a bit too much.

I usually shoot most of my images in portrait orientation, and around 2.8. I'm glad I closed down a bit and shot horizontal on this one though as I like the expressions on some of the kids faces that would have been somewhat lost at 2.8.

ilbcnu

I think you might have to leave the ref alone and yes crop out the extra arm on top right. I agree to the contrast is a tad too much.
Do love the expression of player far left!!