Dusty
by militarygirl10

Comment by karmat:
CRITIQUE CLUB CRITIQUE
by karmat

Disclaimor -- I am in no sense of the word an "expert" or even authority on portraits. Sometimes I get one to look really good, and sometimes I don't. With that in mind, I will simply tell you what works in this for me, and what doesn't. Unfortunately, I can't tell you the *trick* to make this a winning portrait (though I think you are well on your way).

What I think works well here --
Her facial expression is very good, I think. It is somber but reflective, giving the impression that she is a little sad about something. I like how her hair falls naturally and frames the face, without being too distracting, and I think having the flowers out of focus in the front works well because they help to add some color and context to the shot, as well as give it some depth.

What I think is working agains you --
I can only really identify two possibles. To me, there is a yellowish cast on the picture. Perhaps it is an illusion from the flowers, but maybe you could try adjusting the white balance or color balance to see if you could "cool" it down some. Her eyes look like they are a beautiful shade of green, but it is hard to tell with the yellow cast.

Secondly, I think it is cropped just a touch too tight, especially left to right. She feels almost squeezed into the frame.

That said, you have a beautiful model, and have done well here. Oh yeah, I like how the flower and her necklace compliment each other as well.

Good work and best wishes in future challenges.
karmat

The hat
by militarygirl10

Comment by kloughe:
I like it. Cant say why I just do. 8

The hat
by militarygirl10

Comment by peecee:
I love this, perfectly done and a great choice of b/w. Great bokeh, 9

The hat
by militarygirl10

Comment by cornettcag:
The hat? or the eyes? Nice.

The hat
by militarygirl10

Comment by HVGB_photos:
I love his eyes, but the highlight on the hat dominates the photo, so the photo does not demonstrate the rule of thirds.

The hat
by militarygirl10

Comment by Elaine:
I like ethis as a portrait, but the hat is overexposed and I can't really tell anything about it. I assume the hat is important, since it is your title.

The hat
by militarygirl10

Comment by macrothing:
7 - Good portrait shot, has character. Criticism; the title detracts in my opinion and actually leads me to focus on the hat, which to me, is a little blown out and causes 'problems' in that top right corner. Difficult with the balance on the white, but perhaps a tighter crop at the top would have made this a better shot, especially for the Challenge, not sure. Technically, while no expert on this rule, seems you have used it well, but I would like to have seen it even 'stricter'. The b/w works well here, nice shot. Different title, or else more attention to the hat, especially re 'the rule(s)', for this Challenge, would have made this a better shot in my opinion.

The hat
by militarygirl10

Comment by Ivo:
Excellent capture. You chose well by keeping it soft. Goodluck!

The hat
by militarygirl10

Comment by Rupert:
There are no tones in up right and therefore I would have cropped a little from up. But a succesful composition and a pic.

The hat
by militarygirl10

Comment by Jutilda:
Great portrait. I love the detail of his beard and eyes. Excellent expression. The DOF is really good and I like the hat very much.