Backyard portraits

[smoke665]

I use curves for darken/lighten areas and parts of the eyes. And sometimes make a merged copy and use the dodge/burn tools. That way not very often.

Bear in mind when you make a stamped copy you've just locked yourself into the edits below. I prefer to use "multiple" curve layers to D&B, that way I have the flexibility to alter the opacity or the curve of just one layer.

 

[Thiophilos]

Somewhat old thread, but here are my comments.

#1 Interesting effect with the tree blur and I can see what you saw in it, but often the viewer does not see what you saw. For me, the blur would have been better placed quite a bit lower in the pic. The girl is nicely posed and has a nice expression.

#2 Nice shot, but I would have moved to my left to get a better angle on the subject. I like the setting (fence and greenery) and the selective focus.

#3 I quite agree with the comments of @gk fotografie and the new crop.

#4 and #5 are "up the nose" shots. The low angle is not flattering IMO and makes the chin look large. The subject does not look relaxed. The setting and lighting are nice. I agree with cgw about hair separation, and that the face looks bright (not "overexposed" unless that means bright).

 

[CherylL]

Somewhat old thread, but here are my comments.

#1 Interesting effect with the tree blur and I can see what you saw in it, but often the viewer does not see what you saw. For me, the blur would have been better placed quite a bit lower in the pic. The girl is nicely posed and has a nice expression.

#2 Nice shot, but I would have moved to my left to get a better angle on the subject. I like the setting (fence and greenery) and the selective focus.

#3 I quite agree with the comments of @gk fotografie and the new crop.

#4 and #5 are "up the nose" shots. The low angle is not flattering IMO and makes the chin look large. The subject does not look relaxed. The setting and lighting are nice. I agree with cgw about hair separation, and that the face looks bright (not "overexposed" unless that means bright).

Thank you for the detailed feedback! The suggestion to move a little to the left is something I do with my flower shots to get a different angle. I'll have to remember that with portraits Thanks for all of your observations, much appreciated.