Baby Brother
by greenem2

Comment by karmat:
CRITIQUE CLUB CRITIQUE
by karmat

(Sorry I didn't get to this during the regular "critique" week, some things came up unexpectantly).

I simply love this and I suspect the parents/grandparents/guardians are looking forward to putting it on the wall. Though his head is centered, the body going out of the lower right really gives it a dynamic feeling and gives the eyes somewhere to go. The dof works well here to focus the attention on the boy, and not the background. I also like the bw, and I think the softness is okay, but do think it might be interesting if you have any with sharper focus.

I really can't think of anything I would recommend to make this better, as I think it is truly effective the way it is. Very nice work and best to you in future challenges.

karmat

Waiting For Irina
by greenem2

Comment by Stewan:
Nice lighting and shadow. Perfect amount of light on the wall and you can see his shadow on the wall slightly as well. Placement of subject is perfect composition

Baby Brother
by greenem2

Comment by Journey:
Didn't vote on this challenge but just read all the comments about people liking or not liking the softness. I find this portrait very beautiful. Just love the light and composition is fine. It works well soft and it probably would work well if in slightly sharper focus. Now that's postvote you might consider editing out that white shape that hangs ominously above his head. Doesn't need to be black, a med to dark grey would work fine, too. You probably already considered that.

Baby Brother
by greenem2

Comment by dsidwell:
I'm debating whether or not I like his face just slightly out of focus. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and comment on his wonderful expression and on the excelllent composition!

Baby Brother
by greenem2

Comment by jillz:
Nice use of DOF. Good use of B&W.

Baby Brother
by greenem2

Comment by kiwiness:
Wonderful portrait! The softness you've created has boosted the charachter amazingly. It's not often I see portraits this good!

Baby Brother
by greenem2

Comment by sagestudio:
This shot is very clean and the dof is lovely. I like the choice of b&w here and this is a very handsome subject!

Baby Brother
by greenem2

Comment by Kavey:
A lovely portrait and works excellently in black and white - the pattern of his T-shirt really helps in that. Love the light in his hair and the background works well for me. Focus feels a little soft on his face for me but I know many people prefer that for portraits - I tend not to myself.

Baby Brother
by greenem2

Comment by wewillexplore:
Neat Image? It doesn't work on people's skin- makes it look plasticy. Good shot, excellent DoF, but the noise reduction hurt this shot. 8

Baby Brother
by greenem2

Comment by inspzil:
Something about this is very unnatural. did you use neatimage? It seems sharp, but I don't think it is. The DOF is so shallow, I think you focused on his ear and the rest of his face got out of focus. If it were focused better, this would be an outstanding portrait.