My lovely mother-in-law - was not planning a portrait, but she looked so nice against the azaleas that I had to do it. Midday in shade, used in-camera warming filter and fill flash. Dodged teeth and whites of eyes, USM, slight burn on highlights around face - pretty much straight from camera. My first portrait, so not expecting much, but fun to try.
Statistics
Place: 203 out of 268 Avg (all users): 5.1170 Avg (commenters): 5.0000 Avg (participants): 5.1099 Avg (non-participants): 5.1237 Views since voting: 787 Views during voting: 261 Votes: 188 Comments: 11 Favorites: 0
Bah on the score. This is a lovely portrait worth framing. Maybe it's not a "grab you by the throat and force you to stare for minutes on end" shot, but so what?
I agree with the karmat's comment. It's anice portrit, but other than that, it doesn't really stick out that mush. I'n not saying it's OOF, but I think if it had been sharper, it would have scored higer.
Compositionally, this is well done. The subject is clearly defined and is close enough to allow us to see her features, but still allows some context in the surroundings.
Technically, it is also a sound picture. The focus is good, and the out of focus azaleas gives a nice background. The brightness on her left/our right is a bit distracting, and gives it an over exposed look, but it also helps to show that it is a natural light, as well.
So, technically, it is well done. What it lacks is a certain "oomph" that helps to make the viewer want to stay longer and view the picture more. This shot simply isn't compelling enough to do that. Having said that, I fully recognize that I'm no expert in this area, but I'm wondering about a couple of things that would have made it more interesting.
Where she is looking -- By not looking into the camera, the viewer lacks that basic connection with the subject. I know that not all good portraits *have* to have that, but I think with this one, it may have helped a bit.
Her personality -- She has a typical "I'm posing to be nice" kind of grin on her face, and this takes over what looks like could be a playful look in her eyes. I know it would change the "atmosphere" of the shot all together, because the flowers set up a "happy" feeling, but I'm wondering what would happen with a serious, even concerned/worried, look on her face. OR a big ole' wink.
Again, this shot is one that you could proudly frame and give to her, but to be judged against over 200 other portraits it really needed *something* to make it stand out.
Good work.
Please feel free to contact me if I need to clarify or further explain anything.
Good setting, nice even light on the face, and the only "improvement" would be to have the eye contact someone else mentioned. I liked this one when voting - it was real.
She's beautiful, Catherine, and you captured that beauty. I think it would have scored better if she was looking into the camera, and if there was a little more contrast. I like the softness in this shot, but when compared with the other entries in the challenge it appears a little washed out. From the standpoint of a family keepsake, I think this will be treasured. From a photography contest point of view, it lacks impact. My impression is "that is her", it doesn't show me any specific aspect of her or a mood or an emotion. I gave it a 6.
This is beautiful Catherine. You did a great job making her comfortable in front of the camera. She does in fact look so pretty in front of those beautiful flowers!
I think this is a nice portrait. More detail then you see in most portraits. I'm surprised it didn't score higher. I think Jeffrey is right. You must have a regular portrait background or DPC will crush you.
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