Fountain Square
by jpeters

Comment:
Really nice shot of Fountain Square. I drove down last winter to take some shot of it, not thinking about the fact that it is turned off in freezing weather! Oh well. I guess they will be redoing the whole sqaure area soon, if they haven't already started. Welcome to DPC!

PUMPKINS, SQUASH AND GOURDS
by sabphoto

Comment:
I really like the shapes and assortment of colors and patterns in the shot. It almost looks like wrapping paper or the like, with the whole frame filled up. Maybe it wasn't bizarre enough for some folks, because I don't see why this would score anything below a 6. I like it!

my scrumptiousness
by redmoon

Comment:
A couple of suggestions I would give for this one. The overall feel, while I'm sure is meant to be soft, also feels out of focus to me. I think a big part of that is from the large fall of hair on her shoulder that is all out of focus.

The eyes also seem dark. The muted tones can work, but I would still like to see more lightness in the whites of the eyes. As it is, the whites almost match the skin tone, which really loses the focus on them. The muted tones also seem to make the bottom rim of the eyes kinda pink, like she's been crying or something.
Just one woman's opinion but I hope this is helpful.

Oblivious
by aznym

Comment:
This shot has interest...makes the viewer wonder what she's looking at. It doesn't really fit my definition of "portrait", but the score is not affected by that. This seems more candid or photojournalistic in nature.

I like the contrast and colors. I can't decide if that guy in the background helps or distracts...maybe a little of both? Anyway, I like the fact that this is different, that the focus is definitely on the model and that we see some expression of interest on her face. Just one woman's opinion but I hope this is helpful.

Sparkle
by twm122

Comment:
This is a lovely lady, but I would like see more focus on her freatures and less on the background and apparel. She is dark in comparison to the background and my eyes are first drawn to the bright green in the sunshine. Her eyes kind of get lost as the lighting on her is all evenly dark. Her expression also doesn't seem to fit with what she's wearing. With sparkle and cleavage like that I would like to see a more playful, sexy look. She just seems bored to me here. Also, although she appears to be very tan, the tone seems very red hued.

She's a lovely model and hopefully you'll have the chance to keep working with her to practice more portrait work. Just one woman's opinion but I hope this is helpful.

Cowboy
by Balko

Comment:
IMO, this would be much better if we could see the eyes. They are there, but very dark in that shadow. The way the lighting is now, and the angle, brings the nose to my attention and I don't think that's the best feature to focus on. Colors are good, maybe just a bit oversaturated but I suppose it depends on the look you're going for. For me, the grass chewing is also kind of distracting. I think there would be better ways to bring out personality. I hope this is helpful. Just one woman's opinion! :)

Kissed by an Angel
by CalliopeKel

Comment:
For some reason, this one feels just a bit too much "in my face"....too close. I don't really know why that is because I like the portrait. The lighting is good, the clarity and focus are excellent. Good job bringing attention to the eyes. I just keep thinking I would like it better backed off just a bit.

Young Mind Troubled
by willow_zzen

Comment:
Interesting portrait. It doesn't fit my usual understanding of portrait...it seems more journalistic, but that is very subjective (isn't it all?) so my score is not affected by that.

The model and the expression are compelling and captured well. The background, even though blurred, is still a bit distracting for me. I like seeing some of the people - it does set the model off a bit - but the composition as is has the backgroud crowd and the model competing too much for my attention I think.

Good colors and lighting. Good luck in the challenge!

Eye-Lined Beauty
by briantammy

Comment:
Cute idea and it works somewhat for me. The lighting seems to be well done, although the lighter complexion seems maybe a bit washed out. Colors and tones seem really good other than that, and I especially like that the eyes stand out. I would really have preferred just one model right side up, laying down. The two model pose is unique (somewhat) but just hard to look at for me.

A Nice Place to Rest
by Tuckersmom

Comment:
I couldn't decide really if I liked this one. However, the more I looked, the more I liked it. I would personally like it better cropped a bit more at the bottom to crop most of that bright sun splash on the floor out.