[JMitchell]

This is not the same person, nor the same place, the same lens, or the same lighting, but it is the only other portrait I'm willing to put up. And after the response to the last one (POTW anyone?), it's a tough act to follow.

This was taken whilst we were being given a little portrait tutorial by our teacher at school, with one light + softbox. The school budget doesn't stretch. At all. This was not actually my 'model', but someone else's, and I was poking the camera through a hole in a mini crowd, and handholding at 1/30. I wondered what you thought of this? I know the pose isn't the best.



Despite it being in the 'D300' folder, it wasn't actually taken with it All crit and comments appreciated, TFL Jack

[Wannabe]

I think it's a gorgeous shot.. she's beautiful!

[Gary Bagshawe]

Very soft and subtle,

[Rob Barron]

Nope sorry, closed eyes don't do it for me unless there is a clear and evident reason for it. The focus is a bit soft throughout and the lighting is a bit weak. There are obvious minor faults like the strap showing in her neckline but that's not a big deal. I am not great portrait snapper as it isn't an area that I have spent a lot of time focusing on but this is not for me.

I'll go take a look at the first one, haven't seen that yet.

Cheers,
Rob

[JMitchell]

OK, interesting there Rob. One thing I can unconditionally argue in my defense is that it is not soft at all, even at web size as far as I can see....I agree the lighting is not strong enough, but using a flash head where the flash doesn't work, and just having the modeling light on instead, with a softbox didn't give me many options.
The pose wasn't my suggestion, but someone elses, so er.....can I go now?



Oh btw, I'm pretty sure you saw the first one, it won POTW and got loads of positive responses (if I say so myself). I was really surprised, but it seemed to be a hit!

[stigmundfreud]

as a portrait it doesn't, for me work. I wont go into why as its just my personal opinion and I'm a believer that if you like something you stick at it but the eyes are, for me, a major failing this time. Its not important for them to be at camera or even open but it depends on teh rest of the composition and setting - bugger I did end up commenting I suppose!

Technically I like the light, it works well, nice and soft and blends in her hair to the back ground nicely, the light suits her skin and complexion maybe a tad too much shaddow on the far side but its nothing bad at all.

[JMitchell]

Thanks stig (hehehe! pixalo now has it's own 'the stig'), and I don't mind you giving your personal opinion, after all, that's what I was looking for
I think what attracted me to the image was the tones, because her skin closely matched the tones of the light, making a good combination; but looking at it not as the taker of the shot, I can see the problems with it, and do wish she had had her eyes open

[AQ]

I quite like it. It is different from the standard portrait. With the shut eyes and the slightly wistful expression make she could be thinking of her lover (or a Big Mac )

[JMitchell]

LOL, thanks! As I said, I wasn't directing this shoot, so couldn't change the expression. Was more of a snap shot. I think I'd like to do this again though, cos there's potential for a really good shot here IMO.

[Charlotte]

Jack, I can see why you like this shot, and it does have its good points - skin tone (although slightly tinted), composition/crop, and a photogenic model. Really it's not that bad. Mainly, like you (+ everyone else ) I wish her eyes were open, and also the top of her head is too dark so that it's merging with the BG. Otherwise I like the lighting, there are some nice soft shadows sculpting the form within her face. I like the angle to which her face is turned, so that the shape of her face on the RHS (her left) is shown against the black BG. If she knew she'd be modelling for photo's, I think she could've looked in the mirror first, i.e. combed her hair + tucked her bra strap in

In principle, Jack, I really like it but, as you have now acknowledged, it does have a few rough edges

[Charlotte]

Tried a different crop ...