The first thing lighting wise a photographer must do when selecting an area to photograph in is to make sure the lighting is directional. Lighting that is coming from everywhere is flat lighting and flat lighting is usually blah and unexciting. Most of the images I see posted on the 'net for critique that are outdoor shots have what is known as raccoon eyes. This is where the overhead light causes shadows in the eyesockets of the subject. It never looks good unless it is used for a dramatic look (like the images of Dracula.) The quality of the light in this image looks good, and it is directional but she is not posed to take advantage of it. It appears had she been turned so her nose was pointing at
9 o'clock instead of 6 o'clock the lighting on her face would have been better.
The next thing I do is choose a pose that will look good with whatever is in the scene (or can be introduced into the scene) that will look natural. For example in your image you have a great looking fence that could be used as leading lines drawing our eyes right up to the subject. After I think I have a good pose that will work with the "props" that are being used is making sure their torso is at a 45° angle to the camera. This does several things. The number one thing it does is introduce an angle. In portraiture we need to introduce as many helpful things into the composition as we can because we are taking a moving three dimensional person and placing them on a flat rectangular screen (or piece of paper.) The second thing it does is to slenderize the subject. Very few torso's can handle looking wider than what they actually are.
Benji
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