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My niece Sophie, relaxing under a tree. I preferred the B&W to the colour...comments/critique welcomed:

A nice relaxed image mate, nice!

I would be tempted to crop tighter and exclude the bright background down the right side of the image. I know this changes the image, and removes a lot of DOF effect, but it just seems pretty bright and draws my eye there instead of to your neice.

I think RHS background adds contrast to the image. I think the photo would benefit from more contrast on the subjects face as it seems a bit flat. Great natural feel to this portrait though.

Alex

Hi Geoff
Lovely pic of Sophie.
Unfortunately I also think that the Light area on the RHS outside the tree trunk draws the eye away from Sophie, and for that reason I suggest cropping to the edge of the tree trunk.
It may also be worthwhile to see whether you can burn in the face a tad to give a bit more detail.

Thanks guys, appreciate the feedback, will give the crop a go soon.

A nice image Geoff! Just to confuse you further...I prefer the image as it is! I like the out of focus building on the right as it adds a sense of space and place. I think your first instinct was spot on. I also think it sometimes takes courage to pull back and open the image space a little more if the composition can stand it.

agreed on the crop idea.. or maybe paint a little grey into it? (silly idea, i know)

-j

To crop, or not to crop, that is the question.

I vote for the crop, maybe one third in to the trunk. I think it will bring Sophie's face out a bit, make it a tad brighter.

I do like the area to the right of the tree, but I think the brightness of that area detracts from your subject.

I like it how it is Geoff, lovely soft, warm feel to it. The only thing I might play with for fun would be contrast, to bring Sophie out of the tree a little more, but you would lose that soft feel I expect.