What works? What needs to improve?

[NicolaB]

rot. OK so ideally the eyes would be on the third line right? However I have seen some stunning images on some pro sites where the subject is on the third line just vertically.

There is not room to crop without a head chop. Does it work or drive you mad?

All other critique welcome......

85 i.8 usm
3.2
1/640
iso 3200 (I didn't have time to lower this - they wouldn't keep still for long enough - unwilling models that day! Still no xmas card done!)


[IMG][/IMG]

[mandyatm]

The empty space on the right does bug me a little. This might look great as a square crop and you could use that on a Christmas card. It might look okay with a head chop as well. I think it is really clear though, even with the high ISO. Love her eyes!!

[Jim Bryant]

Really nice picture, if you want to crop into an 8 x 10 format, take a vertical picture as well when you shoot horizontal.

[Eileen D]

Gorgeous image, Nicola. Her eyes and skin are stunning. I agree about the crop; that open area to the right is distracting. One other small detail -- can you tone down the glow of red over her shoulder? I find that it draws my eye away from her sweet face.

[Niresangwa]

Keep the space on the right. IF you remove it you'll have an incredibly dull and uninspired composition. The issue for me are the big white splotches in the negative space.

[Jim Bryant]

True.........I like the open space as well........makes the photo more interesting too.

[sk66]

What works? It's a great picture.
What could use improving? To me, I would crop it tighter l/r and maybe bottom edge too.

As Jim noted try to get as many framings/ viewpoints as possible, but it's not always possible; ALWAYS leave room to crop....
Yeah, I know, "fill the frame", "get it right in camera", "rule of thirds", blah blah blah...

BTW, the rule of thirds: there are four "third lines" within an image and you should place the subject on one of these lines. There are 4 points where the lines intersect and you should place the strongest point of focus at one of these intersections. And you should break this rule whenever applicable.

[edbayani]

don't care what line you place the eyes, this is a good shot of a beautiful girl.

[MrJones]

great photo!
the composition rules are true and work most of the time, but a superb photo can come out exactly at the time you break those rules.
let them help you but don't be afraid to break them when it feels right!
as for the crop, i vote NO CROP!
like Niresangwa said, it would make the photo dull.

[KatherineNaomi]

Originally Posted by Niresangwa

Keep the space on the right. IF you remove it you'll have an incredibly dull and uninspired composition. The issue for me are the big white splotches in the negative space.

I agree, I like the composition here. How would it look if you cloned out the white spots? I'd also run noiseware on this and use the patch tool to clean up her face a bit. Nice shot