First portrait with flash and natural light

[chris.r.]

Hi there, we got our new 580 speedlight and practised combining natural light with flash. I am not sure if the light is ok here or not. Don't worry about the composition etc. am mainly wondering about the light.

Natural light comes from my (from the photographer's view) RH side and the flash I had on my left (camera was in "portrait position"/tilted to the left and the flash turned up towards the ceiling with a DIY diffusor - bubble wrap..).

Am missing the wow-effect...

[MrJones]

a couple of things:
1. basically you flooded her with light from every direction. that's why there are hardly any shadows and it came out a little flat.
2. you've got too many things in the background, the sofa in the background is just in the way.
3. you're lacking focus on her eyes. the whole photo seems a bit out of focus.
4. hope you don't mind, I've played with it a little, cropped, level adjustment, sharpening and a little contrast.