Randy, thanks so much for your input! Glad you liked it! I decided to keep it the way it is for now and put it in my gallery like that. I'm hoping to get feedback from people who comment there as well. Kevin, you're more than welcome to play with my images here, and i appreciate you doing so!!!! I was kinda thinkin' the same way...that having all of the globe doesn't really add a whole lot; however, taking some away does seem to make us focus on the kid more. i'm thinking about entering this image in a contest and that's why i want so much feedback on it...another reason i put it the way i did in my gallery...to see what others think. Your crop is much better than mine. Mine (the thumb) is way too tight. yes, he is what i love about this picture...and so far, i like your version the best. kemal says he still likes the image in #4 the best. and randy says that too. i'm curious what other feedback i'll get here and in my gallery. thanks again guys!!!!!!!