CRW_2707
by Nusbaum

Comment by Nusbaum:
Thanks for the input Kevin. I went back to the original image and worked this shot up a little better. I smoothed the skin out a bit and sharpened the eyes. I hope I didn't go too far...

Thanks again for the input!

CRW_2825-01
by Nusbaum

Comment by BobsterLobster:
Very pre-Raphaelite. I wish the background was more blurred... otherwise a great shot.

CRW_2825-01
by Nusbaum

Comment by KevinRiggs:
Great feeling in this one. I wish the background wasn't so distracting but short of cropping the top left corner or a shallower depth of field I just can't imagine a better shot here. Your model hit a great pose and kudos to both of you for this setup. The dress, the pose and the water element give this photo dimension and create a visual context into which the viewer is invited.

CRW_2707
by Nusbaum

Comment by KevinRiggs:
David,

This photo is a fantastic portrait. I like the creamy bokeh in the background, the depth of field is deep enough for the whole subject, the composition allows her to sit on one side of the photo and have room to look out the other side. I like that you got her eyes on the top thirds line, that her stole gives a nice, sweeping element that the viewer can follow down to the broach at the intersection of the bottom and lefthand thirds lines. The only things I think you might want to think about would be adding a little bit of blur to this or if you USM'd it you might want to raise the 3rd setting to around 4 to maintain a softer, more feminine feel to the skin and hair. The placement of the broach clasp also makes it a very strong element because it is much lighter in comparison with its surroundings and it sits very close to the intersection of the two thirds lines I mentioned before. Perhaps burning it in a little might keep it from competing so much with the subject's face. Then again, I just don't think its that distracting. Oh well, something for you to think about.

I love this shot as it sits. Wish it had just a touch more softness to the skin and hair but its a fantastic composition, well-lit and well executed.

Kevin

Thistle
by Nusbaum

Comment by Olyuzi:
Very beautiful...what else can be said about this, it's perfect the way it is.

by Nusbaum

Comment by Brad:
That's an exceptional image.
The detail is superb as is the lighting!

Thistle
by Nusbaum

Comment by claudia26:
why not leave it in colour - it would have been 'almost b&w' and more intriguing to me

Thistle
by Nusbaum

Comment by briphoto:
seems to be nothing much to focus my attention on here

Thistle
by Nusbaum

Comment by Dr.Confuser:
Fantastic. Tremendous focus. Lighting is superb. One of the very best I've seen in this challenge.

Thistle
by Nusbaum

Comment by photom:
This has a lot of potential - but I'm afraid it did not meet that potential. The "fairy tale" in the top white area is a great study in textures. The bottom areas are very dark and moody. Overall it's very busy and difficult to read.