Most people are enjoying the expression here, but one comment notes that she looks upset or mistrusting. Yes, I can see that, but let me assure you she was anything but. This little girl is an amazingly happy and trusting thing (too trusting I think, sometimes), but is also willful and loves to play games. So if you say, "give me a smile!" She'll do the exact opposite just to mess with you, then once she hears the camera click, she'll burst out in gales of laughter like it was the biggest joke ever played.
Ah, childhood.
One of the things I do like to capture, as a photographer, is the aspects of childhood that people like to pretend don't exist. The tears and anger, the moods and scowls. The anti-child.
For as innocent and gift-wrapped as we like to portray them, children are human too, and they are undeveloped and learning, and their moods are worn upon their sleeves, and they are quick to change, and have no fear and shame in showing them, and it is, to me, a grave disservice to only show one side of them.
*POST-CHALLENGE*
I got a 6! I got a 6! That pretty much makes my decade. I love getting new Top 5 entries.
Some thoughts:
Three 1s. There are some people out there that REALLY don't like kids, I guess.
Three 2s. There are some people that really don't like kids, but gave me a point because, uh, she's frowning?
All other scores are pretty much expected.
This was taken in 2005.
Thank you everyone for your wonderful comments. I finished with 69. Gad. Only me.
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Lol, This is great! My daughter has learned to do the same thing. Definitely one of my favorite things to photograph, because I'm going to bring them all up when she's older. =D
As i said...super portrait. Should have scored higher overall imo. I gave it a 8
Browsed your portfolio whilst i was here and i must say i like the quality and diverse styles of much of your work. And of course your funny comments are becoming quite legendary and sought after. :)
Very nicely executed portrait.How's that look in her eyes? Not too pleased about something. Lovely lighting and bokeh. I like the sepia conversion too. 7
Haunting expression & emotion. GREAT PP! The duotone works very well here and you did a masterful job of conversion. The dodging on the eyes is just right too.
lol, reminds me very much of my own daughter who is a little older. Looks like we will both have our work cut out for us as they get older. Fantastic composition, light and use of B&W. Best of luck.
Voted earlier coming back to leave comments. Oh-hoo-ho! That is one ANGRY look she is flashing at us! I wonder what was said or done that made her so angry. Perfect capture of an emotion - even though it is one that is not normally sought after. Usually it is the sought after smile or happy kid that is most often captured and universally appreciated. But this is an emotion that comes through loud and clear and captures a facet that everyone can identify with. And for some, the reaction to the photo would be to wonder and/or to talk to the child to alleviate or understand why she is angry. When you can connect to your audience on that level where there is an emotional response to your photo then that is quite an accomplishment. The B&W tones are absolutely FANTASTIC! You did a wonderful job in capturing this emotion and in the processing.
Goodness, what did you do to make her so unhappy? I like the comp, the expression, and the b&w is a good choice. It'd be nice if this was a little bit sharper.
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