Freedom of Love
by paganini

Comment:
The connection to the theme isn't clear to me, but it's quite a good macro shot nonetheless.

Heather
by grigrigirl

Comment:
This leapt off the screen at me the moment I saw its thumbnail, and it remains my favourite by far of this competition. This is a superb figure study, regardless of theme. If you make prints available for purchase, put me down as a customer.

Small Kite, Tall Grass
by lagavulin

Comment:
382/385. A fine lesson in humility, and in carefully considering the quality of a submission, before submitting.

Blond light
by Louison

Comment:
There's a lot I like about this portrait, but this above all: her gaze evokes the feeling of an honest connection, and that's all too uncommon. Creative pose, very well framed, lovely lighting and colouring, fine DoF control and sharpness. Excellent. 9

The Journalist
by Imagineer

Comment:
Great mood, creative pose, careful lighting, datsuration that adds to the feeling of maturaty, and well considered composition. 9

Dreamer
by Nazgul

Comment:
Good, but could be better. I would crop out a little more of the background on the right side, and crop higher to leave some background above her head, for better compositional balance- following the rule of thirds or golden ratio, based on the focal point, her eyes, would add to aesthetic appeal. She appears a little tense - the tip I have heard is, just before pressing the shutter, to have the subject puff up her cheeks then blow out the air, which will relax the muscles in her cheeks and lightens the mood.

My Love...
by toddhead

Comment:
Lovely eyes. Nice skin tones. I like the simple framing. Unfortunately her hand (it is gloved, right?) gets lost in the background. Better not to have cropped the pendant, or else have her remove it entirely.

The Bride
by albeck

Comment:
What a fun shot. Love the humourous sexy contrast between virginal bride and peekaboo nipple. Beautiful, expressive model. Technically fine.

Funny Girl (my first portrait attempt)
by Bassie

Comment:
Yea! A portrait with some life and humour! Focus, sharpness, colour, lighting of facial features all commendable. Wrinkled drapery and trousers at bottom of frame are distracting; you don't want to crop fingers though, so to fix that would require reshoot. Might have cropped a little higher, so that her head was a little farther from top of frame. Give that model a lollipop for a job well done!

Kat
by rubyrednails

Comment:
Model's expressive eyes and mouth capture interest. Do facial and body skin tones mismatch a little? Softness is a little distracting. Would be better if the top of her head were entirely in frame.