I like it, but could it be better?

[joephotographer]

New to the portrait realm of digital photography. I've been doing product photography in a studio for a number of years, but wanted to venture out, possibly starting a new business in the "life" portrait field - in other words, not in a studio so much as on location. Looking for suggestions to improve my work.


I snapped this one with my Sony DSC H7 point and click, then cropped in Photoshop. No flash, outside on a sunny afternoon.

Thanks!

[kelleyrie]

I like it, it feels very warm and fall like but her shirt is a bit distracting

[sk66]

It's a nice picture, but I notice 2 things. Her eyes don't have any "wow" to them...Just too dark I think, or the focus is off on them..can't tell at this size.
And her hair pretty much blends right in with the leaves kinda loosing her. Because of it her face stands out very strongly and it also makes the shirt more attention grabbing.

[dlaf]

It's a pretty shot, but I'd try to clone out the design on the shirt and definitely sharpen and brighten up those beautiful eyes. Maybe then boosting the saturation a bit?

[steelese]

I would move her face up a little and get here eyes on the third. Yes it is a rule that can be broken, but it would make it a little more interesting.

[joephotographer]

Not sure if I'm breaking the rules here or not - my apologies if I am. I am greatful for the critiques - thank you all. Below is a modified version based on some of the things you each addressed.

[Nathan deGargoyle]

Just one thing that you can't fix in PP. I'd have got rid of the leaf on her hair. She is the focus, the leaves are the background. That one is obtrusive.