First let me say that I scored this a 5 during the challenge. I, like the several other commenters did not see the "phobia" link. In fact, when I looked up the word "pre-xerophobia", I couldn't find it anywhere. Maybe it's misspelled? I found xenophobia and aerophobia. Anyway, I think what hurt your score more than anything was the apparent lack of relation to the challenge topic.
That being said, I think it's a good photograph outside the parameters of the challenge.
Composition:
I think you broke the rule of "don't center your subject" and got away with it quite well. It works here. You captured a great expression on the model and the image conveys a lot of feeling - good job. I would probably consider cloning out the white line in the upper right, but realize that in basic editing this would not have been allowed during the challenge.
Lighting:
Nice job controlling the lighting in what was probably difficult circumstances (outside during the day). You don't have any overexposed areas that I see other than the man's shirt sleeve in the background, but it's not distracting to me.
Focus/DOF:
Very good focus on the model and DOF on the water and background. You managed to keep the viewer's attention on the main subject through a lot of potential distractions - also good work. I like the blurred background and water spray in the foreground. Well done.
Overall:
Again, I like the shot - and while it does have a snapshot feel to it, it also conveys a lot of emotion and makes the viewer smile. The lack of obvious relation to the challenge topic really hurt your score IMHO, but shouldn't take away from your enjoyment of a good shot.
Remember this is just my 2 cents... I look forward to seeing more of your work!
" Try to make the viewer feel the emotion of the fear." He doesn't have a phobia, and seems to be having fun not feeling fear. Cute shot, but does not meet the challenge IMO.
Cute, joyful child doesn't convey any fear. "Try to make the viewer feel the emotion of the fear." isn't done by this or could by by any picture showing wetness. The title doesn't make anything better -- perhaps you could showing him unhappy being dried off with a towel near the sprinkler/fountain? But still wouldn't be a fear.
Cute kid, but this feels like a snapshot. The fact that the title is such a stretch to make this seem related to the challenge topic doesn't help. Including the top edge of his shorts helps to remove the implication that he's nude.
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