Portrait Experiment... Which is better?

[Ginger Pixie]

I'd welcome any crits on these shots, the lighting / composition etc, or just which shot works best for you. Thanks

Camera: Canon EOS 450D
Exposure: 0.25 sec (1/4)
Aperture: f/5.0
Focal Length: 42 mm
ISO Speed: 400
Flash: Off

Camera: Canon EOS 450D
Exposure: 0.25 sec (1/4)
Aperture: f/5.0
Focal Length: 36 mm
ISO Speed: 400
Flash: Off

[wulf]

The first is definitely more engaging as a portrait - the angle of the face and the eyes engage with the viewer. It also helps that the subjects face is larger and the colours display stronger contrast.

Wulf

[SusanH1970]

Definitely the first one. I was trying to figure out what it reminded me of and finally figured it out: The Mona Lisa. Just the way she's gazing at the camera, and that little half-smile. Or is it just me? LOL

[Ginger Pixie]

Originally Posted by wulf

The first is definitely more engaging as a portrait - the angle of the face and the eyes engage with the viewer. It also helps that the subjects face is larger and the colours display stronger contrast.

Wulf

Originally Posted by SusanH1970

Definitely the first one. I was trying to figure out what it reminded me of and finally figured it out: The Mona Lisa. Just the way she's gazing at the camera, and that little half-smile. Or is it just me? LOL

Thank you both. I think I might pp her ear out, as the more I look at the photo the more it is bothering me. Does the warmth of the picture look ok? Some people have said it looks a bit too warm - I quite liked it when I was playing with the white balance in RAW, it seemed a lot softer and more sympathetic than the cooler tones - should I change it?

The Mona Lisa? LOL.

[SusanH1970]

I think toning down the reds will work in your favor. Her skin looks very red to me, as do the highlights in her hair.

[lputman]

Definitely the first one and I agree the reds need to be toned down. i would even have her head turned ever so slightly a little more towards the camera.

[Ginger Pixie]

Originally Posted by SusanH1970

I think toning down the reds will work in your favor. Her skin looks very red to me, as do the highlights in her hair.

Originally Posted by lputman

Definitely the first one and I agree the reds need to be toned down. i would even have her head turned ever so slightly a little more towards the camera.

Thank you. I will have a play with the white balance. Cheers for the advice on the pose too, much appreciated. So much to learn!

[tjphoto]

Love the Mona Lisa too! I was thinking it would be fun to give that one a little pixie ear and the it could be Lord of the Rings.