Jacqueline
by Qart

Comment by Artyste:
Hello, and greetings from the Critique Club. I am your critiquer, Artyste, and I hope to give you a critique that you can possibly build on for the future.

Initial Thoughts

Stunning eyes, but overshadowed by the overexposure.

Composition / Content

A beautifully composed portrait that might have been stronger if you left slightly more room on the right side (and possibly cropped a touch more from the top). Your model is stunning and has a wonderfully candid and unnervingly intense expression.

Background

The fall off of her vibrant hair makes a wonderful background. I suspect that for some people, however, the DOF dropped a little too quickly It works for me.

Camera Work / Technical

The one major issue that I see here is the overexposure. It really exposes the shallower DOF more than it needs to be, and gives the impression of a lack of focus that isn't really there. It takes a slightly closer look to see that the focus really is great.. but because of the light look of the photo, first glance really tricks you into thinking it's a lot softer than it is. Of course, this is easily fixable in post, since it's not actually blown out in any area. (well, the chin area is a bit, but I'm not sure if that is from the camera or as a result of processing).

Digital Processing

You didn't give any processing info, so I can't really comment on what you've done.. but I do suggest that you try dropping the far left hand slider in Levels a bit to darken up the blacks, and if you have Selective Color, use the neutral channel and give the blacks a bit of a boost as well. That's just basic suggestions, but this shot would definitely benefit from a lower exposure.

Fits the Challenge

No worries here, it fits the challenge beautifully.

My Opinion of the Photo

As always, I tailor my critique to what works well on DPC itself, and not necessarily what works artistically. This is a very intensive portrait, and I like it a lot. The overexposure issue probably did result in a few lower scores, and I personally believe it would look better with a few tweaks.. but overall, you've got a stunning portrait and a beautiful model. Good work, and good luck in future challenges.

Jacqueline
by Qart

Comment by Jutilda:
This deserved a much higher placement. I gave it one of my few 9's. I think it is a stunning capture!

Jacqueline
by Qart

Comment by graphicfunk:
A study in innocence and pristine beauty. 7

Jacqueline
by Qart

Comment by drz01:
Stunning! Great face and expression.

Jacqueline
by Qart

Comment by annah:
such wonderful colors, both in her eyes and hair. I love it !

Jacqueline
by Qart

Comment by behindthescenes:
nice contrast between the eyes and the hair..

Jacqueline
by Qart

Comment by armelle:
I like the expression and the amazingly captured eyes! The strands of hair add a lot of depth and of course great contrasting color here! IMHO, the lighting on the left side is a bit too harsh, I prefer the right side light... I would also try cropping out more at the top to really let the viewer focus on the eyes instead of the hairline! well done

Jacqueline
by Qart

Comment by APACHE:
This picture just draws you into it. I believe you have captured her feels. great work on the model and photographer.

Jacqueline
by Qart

Comment by Louison:
The lower left part of her face is almost blown out, but not quite. I love her hair and expression. A very strong portrait.

Jacqueline
by Qart

Comment by siggi:
Only thing bugging my is the burned out white spot cheak.