Portrait composition - which do you prefer?

[Ginger Pixie]

I was wondering which composition you feel works best... any general c&c welcome.

[zona5101]

I like number two, the fuller fxe shot. For me I can "see" a bit more of her personality in viewing her face. I also like the bright rim light accenting the top of her hear and her shoulder - that gives it a little kick and some depth. I like the lighting on her face. The only thing that might be distracting in the second is the ornaments in the background. I know they are ornaments because I had to look and see what they were...there's the rub.

[Ginger Pixie]

Thanks so much for commenting. I have lots of shots with different compositions - I'm pretty sure I have a similar comp as the 2nd but with no ornaments... I will have a look. I just liked the expression better I think.

Any one else care to offer their opinion?

[wulf]

Generally I prefer the first example. If you are mainly showing the subject's face, you might as well get in really close (although that eye is perhaps a bit close to the top of the frame). The cracked lips do detract a little from the overall glamorous appearance though. Perhaps stepping further away still than your second example would have been a better choice for this model on this day?

Wulf

[Ginger Pixie]

Originally Posted by wulf

Generally I prefer the first example. If you are mainly showing the subject's face, you might as well get in really close (although that eye is perhaps a bit close to the top of the frame). The cracked lips do detract a little from the overall glamorous appearance though. Perhaps stepping further away still than your second example would have been a better choice for this model on this day?

Wulf

Hi Wulf, thank you very much for offering your opinion, much appreciated.

I thought I might smooth the lips out pp once I had some opinions on which comp works better. But I agree they are distracting.

I did wonder about that eye, but I quite liked it, which is why I wanted opinions as to whether I should like it... or whether it really doesn't work. I have plenty taken at more conventional angles from the same shoot which might work better.

Thanks - every comment helps me improve by giving me new things to think about.

[Ginger Pixie]

That's weird...

I read quite a detailed composition critique on this thread before work this morning... I've come back after work to respond and it has disappeared... did I miss something?!

[wulf]

The poster deleted it.

Wulf

[Ginger Pixie]

Thanks for clearing up that mystery Wulf. Shame though. Most detailed crit I've ever had!