I've also been unable to fathom why people take the time to give a low rating but then suddenly decide they have more important things to do before bothering to compose a brief comment.
Nice shot of Mario. I'd prefer it without the person in the background, too, and with a long lens like a 300 mm sometimes moving just a bit can clean up the background, but I also know that there are people everywhere and it can be pretty tough.
I think if the other person was not so visible, or blurred a bit more, or perhaps a different angle?(hard to do in a short time I know) it would have been a great shot. It is a nice photo of Mario but there are distractions from him(?). I am no pro either, but just offering an opinion. I do like the photo.
I am confused why there is such a low rating with this photo and no comments. The photo is just fine. the lighting is good, the DOF is great and the subject is a well-known one. Mario may not have the most interesting expression on his face. :-), but it is still a nice photo. I think some people are simply rude when they rate photos this nice so low. I think they are looking at the photo as if it is set up instead of what it really is -- capturing real life. I can see low ratings on some of mine because I have a lot to learn, but this one shows a lot of professionalism.
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...Great Shot Shawn!