Portrait Contest

[ang1995]

Do you think this shot would do any good in a portrait contest? One of there big things is lighting.
Please give me whatever advise you may have!

I will try to get you some more info on the picture

[doxborrow]

Well, I know that photography contests are crazy competitive but I think this is a nice shot. As a former retoucher there are a few things I would touch up to help your chances.

First of all, the fly-aways are nice to show motion but you may want to clone out that one that crosses her left cheek. I would brighten/increase contrast in the eyes just a tad too. Finally, you'll want to remove little skin blemishes like the red one near her left eye.

Good luck with your contest!

[ang1995]

Originally Posted by doxborrow

Well, I know that photography contests are crazy competitive but I think this is a nice shot. As a former retoucher there are a few things I would touch up to help your chances.

First of all, the fly-aways are nice to show motion but you may want to clone out that one that crosses her left cheek. I would brighten/increase contrast in the eyes just a tad too. Finally, you'll want to remove little skin blemishes like the red one near her left eye.

Good luck with your contest!

Thanks so much for the information David!!
She has a scar right next to the red blemish by her eye.
I will try out your advise as soon as I get a chance. This is a junior contest and from what I have seen they are not all that great in my opinion so hopefully I will get this.

If there is anyone on here from TN and would like more info on the contest let me know and I will be happy to get you the link.

[ElCapitanoAwesomo]

dont fall for that trap of "they are not all that great in my opinion so hopefully I will get this. "
i entered a photo contest about 2 months ago with several portraits i thought had a great chance, because judging by previous years, they werent technically fantastic. judges for junior contests dont expect pro quality photos, so they look into the "meaning" behind them.

now, i do think this photo is great. i'd adjust the white point a touch, and, as doxborrow said, brighten up the eyes. also, the vignetting is a nice touch, but i'd back it down until its just barely there. try to lighten up the face as much as possible, so it doesnt look over exposed.

[EOBeav]

It's a great smile and I do like the placement in the frame. That said, she's darker (more underexposed) than the background, which takes the focus off of her. Lighting is such a fickle thing.

[ang1995]

Originally Posted by EOBeav

It's a great smile and I do like the placement in the frame. That said, she's darker (more underexposed) than the background, which takes the focus off of her. Lighting is such a fickle thing.

Thanks for the advise!! I will try to lighten it up like you said and see what I come up with