Contemplation
by waterlilies

Comment:
Lighting: Low light, low contrast. More light is needed, as well as a reflector or something to get rid of the shadows making bags under her eyes.
Pose: Very nice pose.
Background: Works well.

Photographers portrait
by birgir

Comment:
Lighting: Needs a reflector on his left and a catchlight in his eyes so they are not lost in the shadows.
Pose: The pose is fine, but look into alternate expressions and posture. The tilt does nothing for me and cropping off his knee is not good.
Background: The shade works well, but including the supports of the tent greatly detract from the portrait, particularly where the bar cuts through his head.

Relaxing pose between two shots
by menardmam

Comment:
Lighting: The face is well lit, but the overhead lighting begs for a reflector below to soften the harsh shadows under her chin and jaw.
Pose: The over all pose is fine, but the viewpoint is a bit too high. Also, having her eyes closed (or looking at something below) is not as expressive as it could have been.
Background: The black background was well done, but I would like more separation around the har.

Carmela Viola
by johnm

Comment:
Lighting: is harsh and has a color cast.
Pose: very unflattering with a DOF that is too shallow.
Background: distracting.

I realize the effect was intentional, but it does not convey the feeling that it has captured anything about the individual.

Send in the Clowns
by Prime_Time

Comment:
Lighting: Even though the tone of this portrait is dark and moody, the backlight is working very well to give a solid separation. I realize the mood was desired, but I think it went too far. The eyes are by far too dark and very little distinction in the paint around the mouth.
Pose: Well suited for the desired effect, although I am sure you will get counted off for the landscape crop.
Background: Works well for the intended mood.

Black & White on Color
by DJLuba

Comment:
Lighting: The lighting is a bit harsh, and it shows in the heavy contrasts (especially in the skin tones).
Pose: Pose is good, but the expression is not working with it for me. I would not have cut her right hand off with the crop.
Background: is clutttered.

Amy
by sagestudio

Comment:
Lighting: Works.
Pose: Classic but not over-done. Could have possible been better with a slightly above eye level perspective.
Background: Works, but while it does not conflict with the subject, it does not compliment either.

The image is suffering from noise that could have been cleaned up. Also, since this is an advanced challenge, smoothing out her skin tones would have made a more flattering portrait.

Low-Key Rembrant Light
by JoelHSmith

Comment:
Lighting: The lighting is great.
Pose: Works well, but the stare is unsettling.
Background: well toned, but would be less distracting if more OOF.

It's In The Eyes
by K-Rob

Comment:
Sorry, not a person, but:

Lighting: Well lit with an expressive catchlight.
Pose: Works well for the subject.
Background: cluttered, the lines cutting through the model, particularly at the head are disstractive.

Ponderous
by dagills22191

Comment:
Lighting: The lightin is good, with the exception of the lack of separation between the hair and the background
Pose: Sorry, but the model looks seriously depressed, not the most flattering for a portrait. The focus is on the elbow, and is not as sharp as it could have been once it gets to the face and ear.
Background: Works well with the tone of the image.