Grackle II
by bobdaveant

Comment:
I think that's a grackle, however I'm not a professional.

happy
by melodee

Comment:
*Critique Club Comment*

Please keep in mind that I am not a trained professional...

Composition
The composition has too many disparate elements that don't lend themselves to each other, the most obvious of which are the dog and the chains of the swing. As some of the other commentors have stated, the composition would have been enhanced had you cropped out the dog. The chains, while distracting with this crop, may have worked on with a portrait crop that excluded the pooch. A shot from straight on may have cured the chains but you would have lost the model's pose. I do like the model's pose and her facial expression, and she does have winning smile. Right hand placement is good, the left hand being cropped I find mildly distracting, but only in a "What's in her left hand" sort of way.

Technical Details
The focus on the model is good. I think that, had you been able to eliminate the background during post processing using curves or such, the use of the on-board flash would have worked for this shot. As it stands there seems to be too much PP to bring out detail, and with it noise, from the background. This may have also caused the slightly desaturated colors. Perhaps upping the color, at least of the shirt, may have made the photo pop a little more.

Aesthetics
I do not find this photo aesthically displeasing, but I would have to agree it has a candid snapshot feel to it. Cropping and highlighting the model may have been able to overcome this.

Relationship to Challenge
IMO this photo meets the challenge. A portrait is a photograph intended to show the basic appearance of a person and, perhaps, bring out a quality or essence of that person; this photo does that. I feel this is a relaxed, happy person.

Overall I think this photo is a nice representation of the model. Had the foreground and background been taken into account and either utilized better or eliminated completely, this photo would have done much better.

If you have questions or comments about my comments please feel free to PM me.

I look forward to seeing your next entry!

-jp

Beautiful Sunset
by peridaisy

Comment:
Beautiful photo. Nice colors and tones. I would suggest cropping the foreground water out. Overall very nicely done, good job!

Introspect
by cdcootie

Comment:
Very nice POV used. I like how the direction of her stare conflicts with the height of the trees, a very nice counter balance; it makes my eye rest on her and my peripheral vision travel the lines of the trees. Well done!

Impact
by jseyerle

Comment:
Wow! What an excellent photo! Excellent timing, excellent focus, and excellent crop. Very well done.

Destination...Unknown
by CalamitysMaster00

Comment:
I think this photo is wonderful. I love the colors and motion and tones. Very well done.

Watching the World Go By
by L1

Comment:
I like this photo. Excellent focus and perfect dof. The crop, with the man on the left sweet spot, is perfect. And you've presented us with excellent tonal range. I like the man way the man is sitting, and how he's holding himself. Very nice shot Laurie.

CrazyKermit.JPG
by okiesisi

Comment:
LOL!

here
by bucket

Comment:
Simple and exceedingly effective, this is an excellent portrait.

Whatcha lookin' at?
by madison461

Comment:
Acrobatically wow! I'm beginning to appreciate the happy face dragonflies have, this fellow (fellete?) seems to enjoy showing off for the camera. I like the colors, I like the crop. I would suggest cloning out the oof leaf, it detracts from the odonatic acrobatics. Nice photo :)