I took this shot yesterday while on assignment for a local peace group. They had me shooting a peace rally while the local representative was off boasting war relations at a nearby high school. The man in the image had such a powerful look but the shot still needs something. Any suggestions? Maybe the sign behind him needed to be something different but I was just shooting everything I saw. Well, I am off to the rat race again. After 7 months of unemployment I got a real job. Its got nothing to do with photography either. I will be managing a call center for a local credit union. I feel like just another rat again and I haven't even gotten there yet. Magick Michael

This man is peaceful? Do they pack concealed weapons in your part of the country? Hey, rats are adaptable creatures, doing what they need to do to feed their families. But always ready to leave a sinking ship when opportunity presents itself. If anyone tries to give you a little management book about the virtues of moving cheese, bite him. Good luck.

You could try B&W for a powerful look

Just some simple things I can suggest; I agree with azy on trying b&w. Or you could fix the DOF by blurring the background seeing as there are a few distractions in the photo. You could maybe even try both effects. I am only a beginner, so other people might have some more professional advise. I hope your new job isn't all that bad and gets you by till you get something you are more comfortable with :)

Your right about his dont mess with me look, my first feeling was where are the crowd. :0 )

Yes, the background is distracting. You may also crop out from just above the waist down. I'm not a b/w lover so the color looks good to me. You may try to intensify or tinker with the color some for more contrast.