Kita,
I'm very impressed. A 5.233 is great for a second challenge entry. There are plenty of adults here who would be very happy to get a photo like this.
I feel that your image meets the rule of thirds horizontally. If you were to leave some more room at the top, the subject would also line up on the lower third, instead of center.
The noise doesn't bother me. I think it adds to the mood. The image is very expressive. Great job!
this is a really great portrate but it just doesn't have enough of the rule in it....sorry...cause it is a really good capture, just doesn't apply to the challenge the way it could if the rule was better praticed
Not quite on the third lines. I also think it should be in color so the curtain is not white, especailly with the white border it just looks like an unfinished picture.
I'm not a big fan of grain in photos, but you could be going for a gritty feel. I like the solemn expression on his face and the black and white works well.