Jenny

[Alison]

I applied a colour diffused glow to this one. I'm sorry I just love me diffused glow filters lol.
Anyway, let's here what you think

[ChowChi-Ching]

I really like this. I need to get some of those filters! Good Job! She is very pretty. I love her eyes, the white and softness definitely brings out the color in her eyes. I like it!

[Alison]

Thank you so much ChowChi-Ching

[julsoph]

Very pretty. I like your portrait shots a lot...I don't know if you've posted more than this one and "The Look", but both are really pretty stunning, imo.

The only issue I have with this one is that the pose is hard for me to take in. I keep tilting my head so I can see her face full-on, instead of from the side like this. This could totally just be my preference, and others may feel differently though!

Anyhow, the colors are nice, and I do like the lines of her arms.

Emily

[Alison]

Thank you julsoph
I have also posted "loving the camera" in here

[dmm96452]

I applied a colour diffused glow to this one. I'm sorry I just love me diffused glow filters lol.
Anyway, let's here what you think

Nothing to apologize for. The shot is beautiful!

[Alison]

Awww thank you so much dmm
Getting much better feedback for this one than I did The Look and Loving the camera

[Capt Len]

I love the shot.

The only comment i have is that there are two highlights in each eye. I find this distracting. Maybe clone one of them out, I know I am nit picking but other than that I am envious of the shot, very well done.

[Alison]

Capt Len - I'm always open to suggestions...which highlights? there is one on her pupils and one on her iris

[Capt Len]

Alison,

Not sure which one I would clone out. Maybe try it both ways and see what looks best. I have always been a believer that if you have more than one highlight it tends to make the picture (lighting) seem unnatural and a bit distracting.

As I said in my previous post I do Love the shot, and I am nit picking.

[Alison]

I nit pick my own work. I say to my hubby "oh no! I have just noticed a wisp of hair!" A hair that he doesn't even see!!! I'm terrible!

[yogestee]

This is a stunning image..I love the compostion and the 2 catchlights in Jenny's eyes don't worry me..Highkey photos like this one work so well with blonde,blueeyed women and children..It gives the impression of inocence and purity..Good work!!!

Jurgen
Australia

[GB1]

Very nice shot. The even lighting is a winner. Her complexion is really nice in this shot. I also think the way the background is the same color as her shirt works well in this situation.......

GB

[Loupey]

Hey, Alison you tricked us. You're no "intermediate". I can't critique this type of work as my subjects tend to have 6 legs (or more) or leak oil. And those that have 2 legs generally don't know I'm there.

All I can say is I like the result and I will put your work in my memory banks as I try to grasp this concept of studio photography.

[Alison]

Yogestee, GB1 and Loupey You are all so kind, thank you for your comments. It's much appreciated.

Yogestee - Wow! Those comments coming from a professional must mean I do occasionally have what it takes! Thank you.

GB1 - Thank you for your kind words.

Loupey - I am an intermediate. I constantly sit here beating myself up about my photography. I haven't had any training what-so-ever in photography but have enjoyed taking pictures for 14 or 15 years. People tell me I have a good eye and I strive for perfection. If it's not perfect I crop it out or clone it out. Surely if I was a pro no editing would need to be done.
Also, wouldn't I have more award winners than just 2? Although, having said that, I have only been entering competitions since November. Awaiting the results of January's contest sometime today or tomorrow.
If you have read what has been said about my other pictures in here it's not too pretty.
I have only had my Canon since November. This particular shot of Jenny was taken with my little Sony Cybershot DSC-p10.
Thank you for your kind comments though.

[Loupey]

I wouldn't get too hung up on winning "awards". In fact, I think it might be a little dangerous as it may tend to alter the way you shoot - shooting to win verses shooting just for the sake of photographic expression. I haven't entered a single contest in 19 years. My satisfaction comes from giving a parent a shot of their kid when they didn't even know I was there or from hanging a print in my living room that I am proud of.

As for any harsh critiques you may have had, how else would you learn? To be told only one side (pick either) is not very helpful. Its vital to know both sides. Don't get hung up on it - everyone's just trying to give their advice to help you out (since you asked).

Just my opinions.

[Alison]

Lol I'm not hung up on it and to be honest loupey i would rather hear the negative so I know what it takes to get things right. Be it composition or lighting.
I actually didn't care for this shot very much but entered it anyway. I was shocked when I got an award!
As for the January finalists I wasn't one of them.
That's why I am here. I wanna know where I am going wrong, when to me, my pics are awesome.
I'm not trained so don't have a clue. It's great to get pro's opinions. I want the bad opinions too

[yogestee]

Ok Alison,,ask yourself this...If I were the parent of this child would I buy and frame this photograph to hang on my front room wall???Detach all emotions..

Jurgen
Australia

[Alison]

Yes. It's a gorgeous photograph! I love her skin tones in it and her eyes are stunning!
What made you ask me to do that?

[yogestee]

I'm looking at a photographer's point of view,,,not the mother's point of view..Putting all emotions aside it is very difficult to judge an image if you are emotionally attached to the subject..I do it all the time with my own daughters..In my eyes they are the most beautiful beings on this earth along with my wife..

Jurgen
Australia