[Dave]

One I took last weekend of friends child, Iris. Check out that DOF at f/1.4

[j sotelo]

[lifethrualens]

for me this portrait is everything a portrait should be, great connection, great frame, its what i call a real portrait, natural, being at uni i study a lot of photographers, including some portrait photographers, this would not look out of place, id be proud of this, beyond the aestetics, it certainly has something, well done

[Markulous]

Yup, definitely works for me!

[andysmee]

Excellent! Photo of the week/month/year anyone?

[Whipspeed]

WOW! That is just stunning. Portrait of the year.

[hoffy]

As I said in my comment, you are developing you own style of portraiture which is a good thing and this is very good, looking at the thumb nail you got the feeling that she was shaining from the light, but the larger picture you don't get that so bad.
As being picture of the year, No. You have better, I can think of a couple from the wedding that are and your daughters pictures is right up there.
But this is going to test the judges, see if they really know DOF. Some are going to say that the fringe should be in focus if the nose is in focus, that is why the rule is not in front of Lee Preston as he will understand this.
Now if this came down to 3 or 4 pics for first place and I had to find an excuse to not give it first place which is what we have to do sometimes, well most of the time now, above her right shoulder (left side of picture) you have a black line, then a blob of ginger hair. then two pinser type bits of hair, these then to catch the eyes. This could be an outside chance for a reason for them to demote the picture.

But this is very good and very good control of light.

Paul

p.s. She does look like your misses.

[Dave]

Thanks for comments & constructive critique Paul

[Rob Barron]

I'm a judge too and frankly I hate judges who get all picky. I have made it my focus point this year to try and judge pictures first and foremost as a non-photographer would: as a picture! I have started evenings by stating this is my starting point and I have had spontaneous rounds of applause. Looks like the club members are as sick of judges being overly picky as I am.

I must stress, I am NOT criticising Paul for his comments, this picture has been posted on the critique board to get exactly that and so is entirely valid and indeed wanted. I am talking abut in camera club competitions.

I believe in getting the technical aspects right and I don't mind the comments that work to that end. It is the pickiness of judges when any other person on the planet would look at a portrait like this and appreciate it for what is... a cracking shot!

So, shall I get all picky now? Ok, just because Dave wants it, one tiny thing: I am not over keen on the catchlights which are a bit big and a slightly strange shape. But hey, if the only thing I can find to get fussy about is two tiny circles about 2mm across, I figure the pic is not bad!

Cheers,
Rob

[Dave]

Cheers Rob. I think Paul speaks form experience form many years at Cheltenham Camera CLub, so it's good to see a judge like yourself taking a different stance from the others

Re catchlights, it's my circular reflector that I'm resting on ground against my knees to get light on the face

[Dutchie]

Yeh I love it. Not much to add. Beautifull girl as well

That's one thing though. I need to know how to direct the reflector myself. Cause I haven't got a clue yt. But will open my own thread for that.

[j sotelo]

I'm not a Judge I just like to Nudge and I do like Fudge (chocolate please) LOL.


Seriously now... I think this is an excellent portrait I showed it to a couple of friends and they all said the exact same thing... " I love that picture"
so in a democratic place majority wins.
Excellent Shot it wins in our book anytime !!
love the DOF in that f1.4 lens I will have to try a Nikon f1.4 see if I can get close results.