Michelle

[GB1]

Looking at some images I never got to last Sept.

I like this portrait, but think it needs something. Your thoughts?

G

[GB1]

Another version. I think it's better.

[arne saknussen]

I am about to do some headshots, so I am going to be more critical than usual. I am doing this more for myself in seeing things. If you disagree, please say so, I am learning this aspect of photography myself. Also, I am looking at this as a headshot as opposed to a model shot.

The first thing that I noticed was the blemish near her nose, it could be a beauty mark, but it is too close to her nose. Maybe have her turn a little more, or, of course, clone it out.
Her lips look a little too cracked and her eyes have too much red.
This might be only an opinion, but I think her shoulder is too prominent. If you look at the amount of space it takes up and then compare that to the amount of space of her face, you might see what I mean. Also, her hand seems like it doesn't belong to her. There is a different tone and her little finger seems a little misshapen.

Again, please, I am being over critical for my own benefit.

[arne saknussen]

Yeah, second is better.

[LeeIs]

I prefer the wider shot. I'm undecided about the rocks. but they definitely do not hurt the photo, i'm just wondering if they add to it. Very natural light, nice pose and facial expression. I like it.

[jetrim]

Agree w/ Arne about the bloodshot eyes and the blemishes (4 total) that need a little touch-up in the first, the rest isn't as problematic for me (the shoulder *maybe* but a slight crop to the right & top would cure that immediately). The orange nail polish with the hot pink lips bothers me because of the prominence and proximity. The light ratio is perfect, and overall I really like the first one.

What I love about the second shot is the whole "modern caveman" theme. Wish her elbow wasn't bent backwards, but not a deal breaker, and the bloodshot eyes might actually enhance the larger context (up all night protecting her little ones from sabre tooth tigers and whatnot). The animal print dress works really well with the rocks and dark cave entrance below :thumbsup:

[GB1]

Thanks for commenting.

Arne, I don't mind critical comments at all, as that's why I'm here.

I now feel that the first is a wash and that the 2nd is in the running. I like her mouth closed better (no pun intended).

I did actually run this one through Portrait Professional, though I tend to be very conservative on the settings. Yep that blemish is on her check and I normally feel a little uneasy about cloning out something so large and 'personal', meaning something it defines a person. I agree though that the angle here makes it very close to her nose and looks a little awkward... Maybe cloning it would be OK in this situation, as if her face was turned just a little more it wouldn't be in view anyway.

The lips are, I think, a matter of personal taste. Should they be super glossy? Or should they at least show some detail? Where does one draw their personal line? I think in a studio, pure glamor, that it should be soft and glossy. Outdoors .. I'm afraid it will look out of place, especially in this somewhat rustic cave (as Jet put it) area. Your opinion on mine?

Interesting point on the prominence of the shoulder. This is in general a bad pose because it's uninviting - a gal will raise her shoulder to 'block out' someone they don't want to talk to or meet (body language thing). However .. I see it a little differently.. I think this model pulled it off a little better in that it hints that she's simply shy. My viewpoint, anyway. Btw, her hand does seem a tad small. It could be or it may be that with her hair so full, it just makes it seem like that. As for the eyes, hmmm....

Liban - I think it's a lot like a studio pose in the outdoors, so the rocks do throw in a bit of confusion. This model is extremely versatile. Do you think the pic is too bright btw?

Jet - See above. I am undecided on cloning out every blemish. It just seems so processed like that, though I DO believe it's the way to go sometimes depending on the context and image usage. Hilarious "Cave" observation.. I guess her outfit is sort of animalistic. Could almost make a theme out of that!

No one mentioned the out of focus front left rock. I think shallow DOF is a good thing with models, but since the rocks are now part of the pic, I believe it falls under the mistake category. Also, I am undecided on the sand on her forearm.

Thanks again for commenting!

G

[armando_m]

The firs one is better exposed, the blemish in her cheek is right on the tip of her nose making it look odd

Second one seems to have blown high lights in the hair

Composition wise I like the both , and actually prefer the first one

the out of focus rock does not bother me

[LeeIs]

GB, maybe a tiny bit bright. but it's not like way overexposed by any measure. I think it's quite natural actually from what you would expect the lighting conditions to be on an outdoor shot.

[GB1]

Thanks Armando. I agree that the burn outs in her blonde locks of hair aren't ideal, but it's probably unavoidable unless one can really even out the exposure (using fill lights, reflectors, or something like that). Easy to fix those blemishes if I choose to.

Liban, thanks for the added comments. She seems a little bright to me, maybe because of the dark areas behind her. Can't remember what the lighting conditions were exactly, but I think it wasn't super bright: the beach areas in the morning are usually overcast over here. Lighting is really the hardest part of model photography.